Miami Marlins pass on Alfredo Simon

Miami consistently speaks about never having enough pitching depth, but the club has passed on a number of free agent arms this off-season.

Alfredo Simon is the latest free agent starter off the board after receiving a major league contract from the Reds, as FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal first reported.

Entering spring training, it appeared the Marlins had a desire to add one more veteran starter to their starting rotation. Simon was thought to be one of the starters the Marlins were considering.

The Marlins already signed Wei-Yin Chen earlier this winter and as a result might not have wanted to invest in another free agent arm. But Simon did not prove to be notably expensive. His base salary is $2 million, and he can earn another $1.5 million in incentives.

While the Marlins do have some pitching depth, they might have had more success if they opted to sign another starter. Brad Hand, David Phelps, Edwin Jackson, Jarred Cosart, Justin Nicolino and Adam Conley are all competing for the final two spots in the rotation.

Cosart and Conley might emerge as the favorites, but Simon could have thrived in Miami. He pitched to a 3.16 ERA over his three seasons with the Reds and has tossed at least 180 innings each of the last two seasons.

Simon did pitch to a 5.05 ERA last season with the Tigers, but he could have been an inexpensive bounce-back candidate to consider. He has proven to be consistent and likely would have made 30 starts as the fifth starter for the Marlins.

Punctuated by Jose Fernandez and Chen, the Marlins rotation has plenty of upside. Tom Koehler could be in a position to have success in 2016, but beyond him, there are multiple questions that will be answered this spring.

If Cosart remains healthy, the Marlins will likely only have one rotation spot to fill. Simon might have been an upgrade over one of the Marlins' younger arms, though.

Miami passed on Simon and might not add another arm. The club is running out of options to consider.