Miami wants to keep its middle infield together for a long time. Both Dee Gordon and Adeiny Hechavarria have thrived throughout 2015, and according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Marlins are hoping to extend both Hechavarria and Gordon this winter.
Beyond Giancarlo Stanton's lengthy deal, the Marlins have not had a notable amount success signing players to extensions in recent years. The organization hoped to have Jose Fernandez signed to a long-term deal last winter, however Fernandez did not accept the club's proposal. The same is true for Marcell Ozuna, who like Fernandez is represented by Scott Boras.
Boras encourages his clients to test the free agent market, but Adeiny Hechavarria, who is not represented by Boras, also received a proposal for an extension and turned it down. The Marlins are hoping things are different the second time around.
When the Marlins acquired Hechavarria from the Blue Jays, they were aware he would prove to be a plus defender. The Cuban shortstop has been consistent defensively and has started to see his production at the plate improve.
Hechavarria, 26, is batting .281/.315/.374 to complement five home runs and 48 RBIs through 130 games. He has also remained relatively healthy throughout his time with the Marlins and could prove to be one of the best shortstops in the National League. He is under club control through 2019, but the sooner the Marlins are able to extend him, the more affordable he will likely be.
While Hechavarria has produced over time, Gordon has thrived in his first season with the Marlins. Miami acquired him in the Dan Haren deal with Los Angeles and at 27 he has proven to be an efficient lead off option. Over 135 games, Gordon is batting .332/.357/.414 to complement three home runs and 42 RBIs. He has also stolen 53 bases.
After hiring a new manager and adjusting to several front office changes, the Marlins' goal will likely be to extend core players. Fernandez, Gordon and Hechavarria are among them, but whether the Marlins are able to get deals done remains to be seen.
If the Marlins want stability moving forward, ensuring both Hechavarria and Gordon are extended would likely be a good start. Signing both to long term deals means Miami won't need to be shopping for middle infield help any time soon.