Marlins Morning News: Marlins to try Realmuto at first base

Marlins News:

The Marlins are reportedly considering experimenting with playing catcher J.T. Realmuto at first base next season, according to MLB.com's Marlins beat writer, Joe Frisaro. Realmuto has never played first base at any level before, but with Miami's recent acquisition of backstop A.J. Ellis, there looks to be some flexibility in the roster. It does not seem likely that a serious depth chart change will take place. It appears that if Realmuto were to fill in at first base, it would be against a tough left-handed pitcher, but in order to do so, starter Justin Bour would have to be out of the lineup.

On Friday, A.J. Ramos, Tom Koehler, Marcell Ozuna, Derek Dietrich, and Adeiny Hechavarria all avoided salary arbitration before the 1 p. m. deadline, but pitcher David Phelps did not. Phelps will have his salary determined by an independent arbitrator in a hearing that is yet to announced. Ramos, who saved the fifth most games out of his position group in the 2016 season is set to make $6.55 million in the 2017 season, but could earn a $25,000 bonus if he makes it to the All-Star game for the second year in a row. Koehler will make $5.75 million, and Ozuna will make $3.5 million, although there is no word yet on whether he will also earn a bonus for a 2017 ASG appearance. Hechavarria and Dietrich will cash in $4.35 and $1.7 million dollar checks respectively.

Mike Axisa of CBS Sports wrote why the Marlins have silently constructed one of the league's best bullpens.

Miami signed catcher Ramon Cabrera to a minor league contract on Thursday. For seven seasons leading up to 2015, Cabrera had played his career in the minor leagues under various Pirates and Tigers affiliates. The 27-year-old, who played in 61 games for the Cincinnati Reds last season hit for a measly .246/.279/.357 slash line but generated a sturdy .989 fielding percentage behind the plate to form a -0.2 WAR.

Around the League:

Over the weekend, the Padres locked down outfielder Wil Myers for six years via an extension that's worth $80 million. Myers, only 26-years-old, earned the deal thanks to an explosive 2016 campaign that saw him hit for a .286 batting average, including 28 home runs and 94 RBIs in 157 games.

Baltimore and Jose Bautista have been in touch over the offseason, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Al Melchior of FanRag Sports questions whether signing Mark Trumbo would make the Rockies a better team.

The Dodgers are reportedly looking at Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler as a fallback trade option if they fail to land Brian Dozier from the Twins.

Before you go, check out Canada's ridiculous World Baseball Classic roster here.