If the Marlins sign A-Rod, it’s because they need him

Alex Rodriguez is scheduled to play his final game with the Yankees on Friday night and will sign a new contract that will enable him to serve as a special advisor through 2017.

Exactly what Rodriguez will choose to do between now and then is unclear, and at his press conference, he spoke as someone that seemingly is prepared to embrace retirement.

But since Rodriguez has always been connected to Miami and might not be OK with ending his season a month and half early, he could consider joining the Marlins.

Miami reportedly has had internal discussions with regard to adding Rodriguez, although it’s fairly clear the conversations were not extensive, since the Marlins weren’t connected to him in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline. That doesn’t mean adding him is still not a possibility, though.

Signing Rodriguez, who is four home runs shy of reaching 700 in his career, for publicity would be an action the old Marlins would take. If the Marlins sign Rodriguez shortly after his final game with the Yankees, it’s because they need him.

Justin Bour has been on the 15-day disabled list with an ankle sprain, which has kept him sidelined for longer than the Marlins anticipated. Chris Johnson, Derek Dietrich and Miguel Rojas have all seen time at first base, but with any of those three starting, Miami’s bench loses depth.

If the Marlins feel Bour will be out for at least a few more weeks, the possibility of adding Rodriguez will be tempting. He is having a down year, though, batting .199/.247/.348 with nine home runs and 30 RBIs.

He isn’t in a position to demand a large deal, and if he wants to end his career in Miami, he might have the opportunity.

In past seasons, the decision to sign Rodriguez would be met with sarcasm and laughter. This season, it’s legitimate.

Why should you trust Miami’s front office?

Marlins executives could have requested Ichiro’s 3,000th hit come at Marlins Park. They didn’t.

Marlins executives could have moved pieces from their major league roster in order to add depth to a depleted farm system despite the team’s position in the playoff race. They didn’t.

And Marlins executives could attempt to sign Rodriguez to play first base and join a deep bench.

Under Manager Don Mattingly, every player on the roster has a defined role. If he doesn’t think Rodriguez has one on the current team, the conversation ends.

The Marlins won’t sign Rodriguez for the attention. They’ll do it only if they need him.