The Miami Marlin’s offseason moves included mostly minor league deals and the loss of notable players due to free agency. These moves did not see the club acquire big-name players that would help increase a deep playoff run. Their biggest moves this offseason included signing Trey Mancini as well as trading for Christian Bethancourt and Nick Gordon. While they have talked to free agents Tim Anderson and Gio Urshela, the Marlins did make an offer to Anderson. However, they let their own free agents sign elsewhere such as former World Series MVP Jorge Soler and Joey Wendle.
Although the Marlins lost the 2022 Cy Young Sandy Alcántara due to Tommy John surgery, they still have a solid rotation of young pitchers that includes Jesús Luzardo and Eury Pérez. They signed multiple minor league pitchers yet were unable to sign any major league free agents that could help them with their offense struggles. In 2023 the Marlins finished in the lower half of the league in terms of slugging (19th, .405), runs (26th, 666), and home runs (22nd, 166).
Christian Bethancourt
The Miami Marlins were on the hunt for a catcher after Jacob Stalling left in free agency to the Colorado Rockies. They ended up acquiring former catcher of the Tampa Bay Rays, Christian Bethancourt from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations. Bethancourt is a veteran catcher who has played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, and Rays. During the 2023 season, he played in 101 games and posted a .225 average, with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. Although he is not known for his offense his defense makes up for it. He has an above-league average caught stealing percentage with 23%.
It also comes with a .995 fielding percentage which can help improve the Marlin’s defense (0.80 steals per game which tied for 7th most in the MLB). He and Nick Fortes will probably be dividing the playing time equally.
“[I’m] talking about in [the] clubhouse that I can help the team in different ways and not just by getting three hits, two homers, every night. Those are the things I want to bring now that I’m with the Marlins, and I know I can help. And it does help a lot that I’m bilingual and I can communicate great with the American guys and also [be] a good helper for the Latin guys.” said Christian Bethancourt per Christina de Nicola at mlb.com
Trey Mancini
Arguably the best acquisition the Marlins got during the offseason was 2021 Comeback Player of the Year, Trey Mancini. The first baseman agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Mancini spent 6 years in the Baltimore Orioles before joining the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs for a short stint. Throughout the 2023 season, he played in 79 games with 4 home runs, 28 RBI, and a .234 batting average. While he is not exactly a power hitter, he can be a mentor for those young players starting to develop in the Marlins organization.
Nick Gordon
The Marlins received utility player Nick Gordon from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for left-handed pitcher Steven Okert. Gordon has spent the last three seasons with the Twins and recently missed most of the 2023 season due to a broken tibia but he still played in 34 games where he posted 2 HR and 7 RBI. He could fill in as a shortstop or generally any position where the Marlins might need him.
From new Marlin Nick Gordon:
“Florida boy back home. I Thank God for every opportunity he’s put in front of me and I will never take these times for granted. Let’s get it!”
(Luis Arráez showing love in the comments ?) pic.twitter.com/nMuGu01tmF
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) February 13, 2024
Letter Grade of D
The Marlins received a D for their acquisitions during the offseason because they failed to capitalize on the many power hitters in free agency that would help them push for the playoffs. Depending where Miami is sitting in the standings, they could explore a trade to add more depth at the deadline in July. Even though they have a pretty solid pitching rotation, without an offense to back them up this won’t help them get an edge over other teams. Hopefully, their new additions along with Arráez, Jake Burger, and Josh Bell will help the Marlin’s offense and lead them into another playoff appearance.
Photo Credit: © Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
