Miami Marlins should still consider adding veteran depth

Miami might be content with its current starting pitching depth, with Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald noting the club is "unable to afford another quality veteran pitcher." But that should change.

All off-season the Marlins expressed interest in adding a veteran starter and were able to land Wei-Yin Chen in January. That was an upgrade, but for a team that consistently speaks about not having too much starting pitching, another veteran could be ideal.

As Spring Training begins, the Marlins' rotation is all but set. Chen and Jose Fernandez will be at the top of the rotation, with Tom Koehler projected to be third.

Jarred Cosart is reportedly not guaranteed a rotation spot, since he is bouncing back from vertigo symptoms that kept him sidelined throughout the course of 2015. However, assuming he is healthy and pitches well, Cosart will almost certainly win a starting job.

If Cosart is able to secure a starting spot, the Marlins would only have to concern themselves with one rotation slot. And that could prove to be ideal.

The issue for the Marlins as 2016 inches closer is picking the right arm. Edwin Jackson, who is working with pitching guru Jim Benedict, appears to be the front runner. But Jackson has not started recently, only having success as a reliever with the Cubs.

Miami can turn to one of its two pitching prospects, but neither has proven to be notably consistent. Justin Nicolino pitched to a 4.01 ERA and 4.85 FIP over 74.0 innings with the Marlins last season. Adam Conley pitched to a 3.76 ERA and 3.81 FIP over 67.0 innings with Miami in 2015.

David Phelps and Brad Hand, along with several other non-roster invitees, could also be considered. But that could end up being the worst case scenario for the Marlins.

There are still several options for the Marlins to consider. Kyle Lohse and Tim Lincecum are among them, and both have a notable amount of experience. As they prepare to compete within the National League East, that is exactly what the Marlins need.

Miami should add another starter. It will pay off this summer.