Miami Marlins made 7-year, $53 million offer to Hector Olivera

Miami has been connected to several recent Cuban prospects, and the club has been linked to Hector Olivera in recent days. Olivera was reportedly seeking a $70 million deal, and while he switched agents and may not receive such a contract, the Marlins offered Olivera a seven-year, $53 million contract according to Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald.

#Marlins made $53m offer for Hector Olivera, but backed away after hearing #dodgers offered $77m, source says. #padres 52m; #braves 44m

— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) March 12, 2015

#Marlins offer was for 7 yrs, but made to previous representative, as were other figs. No telling how matters have changed with new rep.

— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) March 12, 2015

MLB.com's Joe Frisaro initially reported the Marlins were interested, and Frisaro notes that because of the sudden agent change that occurred earlier this week, the organization does not know where it stands. Greg Genske of The Legacy Agency is now representing Olivera, who is just 29 but is hoping for a chance to make a team's  25-man roster this spring.

The Marlins were interested in Yoenis Cespedes and Yoan Moncada, and Miami's offer may not prove to be notably short moving forward. Although he is seeking a $70 million deal, Frisaro believes a deal worth $50 million or slightly more may be enough to land Olivera.

Since the Marlins were open to initially signing Olivera to a $53 million deal, a deal in that range would likely not be an issue for the organization. While Miami is not looking to add to its payroll significantly, the front office is consistently looking for ways to improve. Adding Olivera would give the Marlins notable depth surrounding Giancarlo Stanton moving forward. The Marlins and other squads are rightfully being cautious, though, since Olivera has been plagued by elbow issues and other injuries throughout his young career.

Olivera could bring notable offensive stability, which intrigues the Marlins. He can also play first base, second base, third base, and shortstop, with the corner infield spots being long term positions of need for the Marlins. If the Marlins were to land Olivera, though, his presence would allow Manager Mike Redmond to give Michael Morse, Adeiny Hechavarria, and Martin Prado an occasional day off.

Over the course of the season, Olivera would likely receive a notable amount of playing time. Miami may get outbid by a larger market team, but if the team's first offer is any indication, signing Olivera is a realistic goal.