Miami Marlins uninterested in large international free agent contracts

Miami isn’t known for expressing much interest in international free agents and it doesn’t appear that will change in the near future.

The Marlins remain uninterested in signing international free agents to extensive deals, Team President David Samson told Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Though the Marlins have increased their scouting budget – including internationally -- Samson said they’re still not in position to offer big contracts to free agents from Cuba and Japan. But if the front office says “this is a guy we absolutely want, we would have to take a look,” Samson said.

One of the players the Marlins could find themselves seeking is Cuban outfielder Yadiel Hernandez, who the club was reportedly scouting in May.

The Marlins’ outfield does not have a vacancy, with Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna receiving starting time regularly. However, signing Hernandez would give Miami depth and make any one of its outfielders flexible in a potential trade.

In his last season in Cuba, Hernandez batted .369/.509/.535 with 77 walks over 369 plate appearances. He also hit seven home runs, but Hernandez has proven to be more valuable as an on-base threat rather than a power hitter.

Hernandez could prove to be the international player the Marlins don’t mind signing to a large deal. But based on precedent, it seems unrealistic.