Fresh Fish News, 12/16/19: Winter Meetings Recap, Marlins’ Free Agent Rumors

The MLB Winter Meetings were held this past week in San Diego and many fans were hoping for the Miami Marlins to make a splash in some way. The club did complete some moves but we are still waiting for that big acquisition that would show fans the Marlins are really moving forward in this rebuild. With that being said, I am here to bring you the latest news regarding free agent targets and a recap of what happened at the Winter Meetings for the Marlins!

Marlins Open to Reunion with Sergio Romo

The Marlins signing Sergio Romo for the 2019 season was one of the bigger off-season acquisitions they made last winter. Romo paid off for them as he saved many games and netted the Marlins well-regarded prospect Lewin Díaz from the Minnesota Twins. Romo left such a lasting impact that the Marlins want to bring him back. The full article by Joe Frisaro can be read here.

The 36-year-old was rumored to be closing in on his free-agent decision, but as of Monday afternoon, Miami appears to still have life.

Marlins Comfortable with Starting Pitching Depth

President of baseball operations Michael Hill has said that he trusts the depth he has in the form of young internal starting rotation candidates. While the outfield and bullpen clearly need to be addressed, the rotation isn’t as high of a priority. The full article by Wells Dusenbury can be read here.

Teams Inquiring about Marlins’ Starting Pitchers

In fact, you could argue that strong player development has created a surplus of young starting pitchers (with more waiting in the wings). While the other teams are calling to see if they can snag a pitcher or two, the Marlins are standing strong on not trading from their young pitching unless it is worth it. FNTSY Sports Radio host Craig Mish has reported that Sandy Alcantara, Pablo López and Elieser Hernandez are among those who’ve been inquired about.

Marlins Sign Reliever Yimi Garcia

Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images

The Marlins made a move to improve their bullpen by signing RHP Yimi Garcia to a contract. Garcia had been non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers after going 1-4 with a 3.61 and 66 strikeouts in 62.1 innings in the 2019 season. We are still awaiting the team’s announcement, which must include a corresponding move to fit Garcia on the 40-man roster.

Garrett Cooper may not be Everyday Player

Garrett Cooper may have emerged as a potential power threat for a Marlins team that needs more of it, but it’s hard to approach 2020 with the assumption that he’ll be ready to play on a daily basis. Cooper played in 107 games last season and although he hit .281 with 15 HRs, 16 doubles and 50 RBIs, Don Mattingly has said that the Marlins may not be able to count on him to be an everyday player because he does not stay healthy. The full article by Wells Dusenbury can be read in the Sun Sentinel here.

Dusenbury also took the time to appear on Fish Bites to describe what he witnessed first-hand in San Diego.

Yasiel Puig Might be the Right Fit for the Marlins

The Marlins have been looking for an impact, OF bat to add to the lineup and Yasiel Puig is emerging as an increasingly realistic fit. He even sat down with the Marlins executives last week, and although no deal is close, many fans want to see Puig playing in a Miami uniform. A deal between the two parties would be beneficial to both Puig and the Marlins, writes Wayne McDonnell, Jr. of Forbes.

With the Winter Meetings over with, what will the next moves for the Marlins be? Will they add a free-agent bat? Will they trade for an outfielder? Or maybe a veteran starting pitcher to eat some innings? Stick with Fish Stripes to hopefully hear the answers to those questions as well as hear about all the latest news and rumors regarding your Miami Marlins!