What are the Marlins are exploring a week before winter meetings. An update
The Marlins have expanded their search for an established veteran bat beyond merely first basemen, while also continuing to pursue a veteran high-leverage reliever.
Per a source, the Marlins are now open to adding a proven hitter in either the outfield or first base or third base, with the thinking that several players currently at those spots have the ability to switch positions. There’s no timetable for the search; it could be done in December or the Marlins could wait awhile to see how the free agent and trade markets play out.
If the Marlins end up adding an outfielder in free agency, they could potentially play outfielder Griffin Conine at first base. While he’s not completely changing positions, the Marlins plan to give him reps at first base in spring training, manager Clayton McCullough said on the Marlins’ Hot Stove Show on the Marlins radio network on Tuesday.
According to a source, the Marlins also believe outfielder Heriberto Hernandez could play first base.
And the Marlins are open to play third baseman Connor Norby in the outfield if they end up signing a third baseman or moving an outfielder to first base.
Either way, the Marlins are determined to add an experienced hitter this offseason.
While the free agent hitter market has largely been slow, the relief market has picked up steam in recent days.
The Marlins continue to pursue veteran closer Peter Fairbanks; Toronto and Detroit also are in the mix, per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
Fairbanks -- who has a history with Marlins president/baseball operations Peter Bendix in Tampa Bay -- had 27 saves and a 2.83 ERA for the Rays last season.
According to sources, other free agents relievers on the Marlins’ radar include Kyle Finnegan (3.47 ERA, 24 saves for Detroit and Washington in 2025) and identical twins Tyler Rogers and Taylor Rogers.
Tyler Rogers, who is younger by 30 seconds, had a 1.98 ERA in a National League-leading 81 appearances for the Giants and Mets. Taylor Rogers had a 3.38 ERA in 57 appearances for Cincinnati and Cleveland.
The Marlins previously had interest in closer Devin Williams, who agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mets on Monday.
While the Marlins plan to somewhat increase payroll, there is not expected to be a monumental jump.
Rule 5 next week
A year after landing productive catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks in the Rule 5 draft, the Marlins will have another chance to find a big-leaguer or two during the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 10, which is the final days of next week’s Winter Meeting in Orlando.
Among the names the Marlins left unprotected in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft: former first-round third baseman/outfielder Jacob Berry, former third-round pitcher Zach McCambley and first baseman Nathan Martorella, who was acquired with Jakob Marsee, since-released pitcher Woo-Suk Go and outfielder Dillion Head in the May 2024 Luis Arraez trade with San Diego.
This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 5:07 PM.
