Miami has been seeking a veteran starting pitcher and is interested in Kyle Lohse, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.
Why this rumor makes sense
Even after signing Wei-Yin Chen to a five-year deal, the Marlins appear to have a desire to add at least one more starter to the mix.
Before he signed with the Astros, Doug Fister was considered an option. Bronson Arroyo was also reportedly being considered before joining the Nationals on a minor league contract.
Jose Fernandez, Chen, Jarred Cosart and Tom Koehler almost certainly have rotation spots secured, but the Marlins do not seem complacent having a competition with internal starters for the fifth spot this spring.
David Phelps, Justin Nicolino, Adam Conley, Jose Urena, Brad Hand and Edwin Jackson are all capable of starting, but at the very least, it seems another arm will be added.
Although Alfredo Simon and Tim Lincecum are also reportedly being discussed by the Marlins, Lohse might be the best option for a club with a limited amount of payroll flexibility.
Lohse struggled with the Brewers last season, pitching to a 5.85 ERA and 5.12 FIP over 152.1 innings and 22 starts. He could be a bounce back candidate and might be in a position to take a less extensive deal as a result.
Why this rumor does not make sense
While the Marlins want starting depth, Lohse might not be the best available option.
Lohse, 37, had difficulty consistently last season. If he accepts a minor league deal, Lohse could be a valuable option. But giving a major league contract to Lohse is likely unrealistic for the Marlins at this point.
If Miami decides to sign a starter to major league deal, it will likely be a starting pitcher with numbers better than those Lohse posted last season.
Although Lohse does have a notable amount of experience, even if he accepts a minor league deal, one of the Marlins' young pitching prospects would likely have just as much success, if not more, this spring and win a rotation spot.
There are other options for the Marlins to consider. Miami could be willing to give him an opportunity, but it would likely be in a low risk and high reward scenario.
Likeliness overall: 4/10
Lohse has experience and the Marlins need that. But he also is not the only free agent starter available.