The Marlins' Offseason Strategy: Targeting Late-Inning Relief and Veteran Outfielders
The Miami Marlins are gearing up for the upcoming baseball season, with a focus on bolstering their late-inning relief pitching and outfield options. Despite the quick pace of the free agent bullpen market, the Marlins have yet to secure any notable acquisitions, indicating a cautious approach to spending.
One player on their radar is Pete Fairbanks, a proven closer with ties to the organization through his connection with Peter Bendix, the president of baseball operations. Fairbanks' market value is expected to exceed Miami's comfort zone, as he commands a two-year contract at a slightly lower annual rate than his previous deal. With a 2.83 ERA and 27 saves in 60 1/3 innings, Fairbanks' strikeout rates have been steady, and he continues to pitch at over 97 MPH, generating swinging strikes on nearly 13% of his offerings.
The Marlins' interest in Fairbanks aligns with their need for a reliable closer, similar to Emilio Pagán and Kyle Finnegan, who secured two-year contracts in the $19-20MM range. However, the Marlins have yet to sign any free agents this offseason, showing interest in players who have since been claimed by other teams.
In the realm of outfield prospects, Jakob Marsee stands out. Marsee, a 24-year-old, demonstrated his potential with a .292/.363/.478 batting line and five home runs in his first 234 big league plate appearances. His .357 average on balls in play suggests some regression, but his plate discipline and contact skills are impressive. Marsee's defensive abilities are also noteworthy, as he graded as a slightly above-average defender in 475 innings.
The Marlins could benefit from a veteran outfielder in a corner position, and Kyle Stowers, who can play either corner spot, offers flexibility. However, Mullins, with his below-average arm, would likely be ticketed for left field, pushing Stowers to right. Players like Griffin Conine, Heriberto Hernandez, and Dane Myers are currently in the mix for playing time, but their high strikeout rates in the upper minors make them unlikely long-term regulars.
The Marlins are reportedly willing to spend more than usual this offseason, though they have yet to make any significant moves. They have discussed extension numbers with Stowers, facing an approximate $50MM divide. Additionally, they plan to reengage with young starter Eury Pérez on a potential long-term deal, a conversation that began during Spring Training.
Marsee, despite being a sixth-round pick by San Diego, is a logical candidate for a long-term deal. Fish On First reports mutual interest in a deal, though no offer has been made yet. Extension conversations often pick up later in the offseason and into Spring Training, providing ample time for negotiations.
Marsee's path to the MLB is unique. He was a highly regarded prospect, entering the 2025 season as the #12 prospect in the Miami organization, according to Baseball America. However, he was not featured on any Top 100 lists. The closest comparison is Ceddanne Rafaela, who signed an eight-year, $50MM guarantee with the Red Sox at age 23, despite being more highly regarded than Marsee.
Marsee, turning 25 in June, may not be a top-tier prospect, but his polished hitting skills and big league success make him a valuable asset. The Marlins' cautious spending approach and the potential for extension discussions later in the offseason suggest that Marsee's future with the team remains uncertain.
