Marlins rumors: Miami wants to add right-handed hitter

Though the Marlins seem open to giving first baseman Justin Bour routine starting time against left-handed pitchers, the club is still seeking a right-handed hitter to add depth to its bench, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro.

A platoon situation at first base seems relatively unlikely, though the Marlins have also mentioned plans to give J.T. Realmuto playing time at first base throughout 2017. Still, Miami wants to add another veteran bat.

Chris Johnson and Jeff Francoeur might be Miami’s top two targets because the organization if familiar with both. Johnson joined the Marlins last season in the same utility-type role and hit .222/.281/.329 with five home runs and 24 RBIs over 113 games.

The Marlins acquired Francoeur in advance of the waiver trade deadline, and he hit .280 over 26 games with Miami. Francoeur could play first base, which might make him an ideal option for the Marlins to consider.

Miami can also explore the possibility of signing Chris Carter, Mark Reynolds or Chase Utley, according to Frisaro, but regardless of who the Marlins add, it’s likely they have a short-term deal in mind.