"What exactly does pulling a Charles Johnson mean for Luis Arraez and the Miami Marlins? Draft in the first round? Make into a Gold Glove catcher? Trade for either a future Hall of Famer or at least a future Marlins team MVP? All reasonable conclusions, and all things that really happened regarding Johnson and the Marlins...even if almost all of those would be impossible outcomes outside of a video game for Luis Arraez."
"Sure, no World Series ring or sterling defensive reputation come attached here, but there's no denying the fact that Arraez was both immensely popular and the player best associated with the most recent run of success the Marlins have had. For many fans, that 2023 team is the only success they have experienced. And for all fans, it is far too rare that the Marlins have brought someone back while they still have something of real value to offer."
Charles Johnson returned to Miami in 2001 after ownership closed the team's title window, and the signing served as a veteran finishing touch for a roster thought ready to contend. Luis Arraez occupies a comparable role now as a popular figure tied to the Marlins' recent 2023 success. Bringing Arraez back would generate strong fan goodwill, higher ratings, increased attendance and merchandise sales, and publicly declare a contender mindset for 2026. The franchise rarely re-acquires players while they still hold meaningful on-field value, placing Arraez alongside Jeff Conine, Johnson, and Juan Encarnacion on a short list of such moves.
Read at Marlin Maniac
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