Marlins Notes:

"Jackson had previously reported that the club was likely going to be targeting a veteran bat this winter. In today's reporting, he adds that first base is the most likely place for them to make that addition, though third base and the outfield corners are mentioned as other possibilities. First base is a sensible spot to target, as the Fish don't really have anyone locked in there."

"The free agent class is headlined by guys like Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor and Ryan O'Hearn. The Marlins have occasionally thrown out notable multi-year deals but president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has largely kept his wallet in his pocket since getting his job. Two offseasons ago, his big signing was one year and $5MM for Tim Anderson. Last winter, it was $3.5MM for Cal Quantrill."

"Perhaps he will get more aggressive with the Marlins coming off a respectable 2025 season, though it may be more likely he goes for guys who can be had on short-term deals such as Rhys Hoskins or Paul Goldschmidt. The non-tender deadline will shake loose a few more guys, with Nathaniel Lowe and Ryan Mountcastle some of the possibilities there."

The Marlins finished 2025 without a playoff berth but enter the offseason with increased optimism and a desire to add a veteran bat. First base is the primary area of focus because the team lacks a locked-in option and used seven players there in 2025, with Eric Wagaman posting a below-average wRC+. The free-agent market includes Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor and Ryan O'Hearn, while the front office has shown fiscal caution and may prefer short-term deals like Rhys Hoskins or Paul Goldschmidt. Non-tender candidates and speculative trades could also address corner needs, and third base may be handled internally via a Norby–Pauley competition or platoon.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors