Miami Marlins will benefit from signing Casey McGehee

Casey McGehee had such a solid 2014 campaign the Marlins were able to acquire a pair of prospects from the Giants in exchange last December. McGehee was released by San Francisco on Wednesday after a slow start, and according to Andy Slater of 940 WINZ, the Marlins are expected to sign the veteran infielder on Friday.

SLATER SCOOP: Marlins bringing back Casey McGehee, should join club tomorrow, per source.

— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) July 9, 2015

McGehee, 32, posted a .213/.275/.299 batting line to complement two home runs and 11 RBIs through 49 games before being released. He is set to clear release waivers on Friday afternoon and if a deal is indeed reached McGehee could be added to the Marlins' roster ahead of the club's contest against the Reds.

After being signed as a free agent, McGehee had success with the Marlins last season and was ultimately named the National League Comeback Player of The Year. He batted .287/.355/.357 while driving in 76 runs. He emerged as a leader in a young clubhouse and consistently produced for a club that has struggled with runners in scoring position at times. Heading into the All-Star break, the Marlins are hoping McGehee can do the same.

Martin Prado was acquired from the Yankees to be the Marlins' second baseman, and since he is also under contract for 2016, the organization wants to ensure he is healthy moving forward. Prado has been on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury and according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro is not yet at full strength. He is expected to be reinstated after the All-Star break.

If the Marlins do sign McGehee, it could prove to be a low risk, high reward situation. Justin Bour has received starting time and thrived at first base and as a result, Michael Morse has been playing left field. Derek Dietrich and Miguel Rojas have seen time at third base in Prado's absence, but McGehee could either platoon with Dietrich or receive the opportunity to start moving forward.

When Prado is healthy, the Marlins will have to decide how to use McGehee. But since McGehee has had success against left-handed pitching in his career, he might even be effective as an additional right-handed pinch hitter off the bench late in games.

At 36-50 heading into Friday night, the Marlins still want to inch closer to five hundred. With the help of a potential big second half from McGehee, that could become even more realistic.