Marlins continue to prove they’re serious about winning

Miami isn’t done.

When the Marlins sought bullpen depth, they acquired Fernando Rodney, currently serving as their closer, from the Padres in exchange for a Single-A starter.

When the Marlins needed starting pitching help with Wei-Yin Chen on the disabled list, the club acquired Andrew Cashner in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline.

Now without Giancarlo Stanton, who is sidelined with a grade three groin strain, the Marlins added another bat, acquiring Jeff Francoeur from the Braves on Wednesday night.

Francoeur, 32, is batting .249/.290/.381 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs over 99 games this season. He is a career .261 hitter who adds power to Miami’s lineup. The Marlins don’t need Francoeur to post power numbers comparable to Stanton’s. He just needs to provide offense when called upon.

Ichiro Suzuki is having productive season, but Francoeur should be an effective right-handed compliment in right field. Francoeur also has one of the better arms in the game, which could allow Manager Don Mattingly to make frequent defensive substitutions.

Francoeur is batting .273 against left-handed pitchers this season, and when he doesn’t start, will deepen Miami’s bench. Without Derek Dietrich, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, the bench doesn’t feature many power hitters.

Miami reportedly didn’t want to disrupt clubhouse chemistry. Francoeur has often been deemed a leader in the clubhouse.

The Marlins continue to improve their roster and again did so without moving a major league piece. Miami isn’t known for being aggressive on the international front, so losing signing slots is reasonable. Catcher Matt Foley was a 40th round draft pick whose ceiling at this point is likely unknown.

Miami entered play Wednesday a game and a half behind the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot in the National League. No team has taken a sizable lead, and as a result, the Marlins are in “win now” mode.

Even without one of the best players on their roster, the Marlins have remained competitive. The front office is confident in its core and has been aggressive since June.

Without Stanton, don’t doubt the Marlins. The club continues to prove it is committed to winning.