:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23622701/119611466.0.jpg)
Coming away from the General Managers meetings, President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill reiterated the importance of only signing a free agent if the organization felt it would help the team and only making a trade if it is productive for both sides.
After acquiring a handful of prospects, several of which are currently playing at the major league level, from Toronto last season, the Marlins are quickly looking for reasonably priced offense. Despite the preconceived notion that top free agents, or any free agents, will sign in Miami because of the history of fire sales and lack of no-trade clauses, Hill is looking at the market and is willing to make a trade or signing to improve a struggling and youthful offense.
"You're assessing needs, sharing thoughts and seeing if there are fits," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said during an interview with MLB.com. "You take all that info, download it and see if there are deals and fits to be made."
Because of the young arms within thew organization, it is almost expected that the Marlins will send a way a pair of starters in exchange for production at the plate. Thus far, the Marlins have reportedly been interested in Mark Trumbo, Will Middlebrooks, and David Freese, who are all thought to be available via trade.
The Marlins are looking to add a catcher and third baseman. Second base, where both Donovan Solano and Derek Dietrich started at one point last season, is a position that Miami could be evaluating. If the right deal presents itself, the Marlins, who haven't had consistent offensive numbers from a second baseman since Dan Uggla's departure, the team might be inclined to make another trade.
Hill last week said the team is looking for run producers and not necessarily power hitters. Agent Scott Boras said RBI and home run numbers have been on the decline.
"We've got a really, really different game when it comes to power," Boras said. "There were [12] players that had 25 homers and 100 RBIs. The need for power and the need for middle-of-the-lineup bats is in great demand. And there aren't many of them."
Juan Uribe, Michael Young, and Eric Chavez are all infielders who the Marlins could seek to sign. Miami reportedly has recently reached out to Uribe, who seeks a three-year deal.
Trade partners may be difficult to find because of the players Miami doesn't want to trade away. For teams looking for a number two starter, the Marlins aren't looking to trade Nathan Eovaldi. Jacob Turner or Henderson Alvarez could be moved.
With the 2012 struggles in mind, Hill is not in a rush to make a deal.
"People are looking for bats," Hill said. "People are looking for pitching. It's a mixed bag. Everybody has their particular needs that they are looking to satisfy."