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Despite the fact the Marlins have reportedly focused on extending members of their young core, the organization is still looking to add a veteran starting pitcher. And according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Marlins have interest in left-handed starter Brett Anderson.
The Marlins would like to add a veteran left-hander and called aboutBrett Anderson (27-32, 3.72 in his career for the Athletics and Rockies)
Anderson was 1-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 2.99 FIP in 43.1 innings pitched last season with Colorado. He had his $12 million club option declined, and has a career 3.73 ERA 81 starts. The Marlins are reportedly looking to find balance within their starting rotation, and adding Anderson would add a lefty to the club's starting staff. He is also a veteran presence who could serve as a mentor to Andrew Heaney, who will likely have a chance to make the club out of Spring Training.
Although he has a career 7.03 K/9, Anderson has had trouble with his command at times. He also has not proven to be durable, having thrown over 100 innings just twice in his six-year major league career. Anderson has developed a reputation as a ground ball pitcher, and his ground ball percentage of 61 in 2014 supports that.
Miami is looking for a front of the rotation arm until Jose Fernandez returns next summer, and Anderson may not be consistent enough. He had Tommy John surgery in 2012, and a finger fracture kept him sidelined until the All-Star break a season ago. Anderson's time in Colorado came to an end after he had season-ending back surgery in August, although he may be an inexpensive option to consider.
The Marlins, although previously linked to James Shields, are not expected to pursue any big name major league starters. Anderson, if he can stay healthy, could be a nice addition to the Marlins' rotation. Although he signed a four year, $12.5 million deal in 2010, the Marlins might be able to sign him for around or over $1 a season, which would be reasonable considering his past.
After signing Giancarlo Stanton to a long-term contract and having interest in locking up Jose Fernandez, Christian Yelich, Adeiny Hechavarria, and Marcell Ozuna, Miami may not be willing to invest much in a starting arm. Anderson may be a quality option, although sticking with Heaney or other internal starters might lead to comparable results.