The Miami Marlins might be trying to trade catcher J.T. Realmuto, but that doesn't mean they're not ready to make some additions to their roster.
Miami is actively exploring the free-agent market - focusing on "mid-tier" hitters and relievers - and had discussions last week with the Seattle Mariners about first baseman Carlos Santana, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Marlins have had a hole at first base since trading Justin Bour in August. Santana, who was recently acquired by Seattle from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade for infielder Jean Segura, is owed $34.5 million over the next two seasons - salary the rebuilding Mariners are already trying to shed - plus a $17.5-million club option in 2021.
Adding that kind of money is somewhat a foreign concept for the Marlins, who shed themselves of Giancarlo Stanton's megadeal last winter and finished the 2018 season with the majors' fifth-lowest payroll, according to Spotrac.
Carlos Santana would be the perfect add for the Marlins. Fantastic clubhouse guy, good bat & on base. Lives in Tampa. MIA would need some salary relief there perhaps M’s take Prado. Interest reported by @Ken_Rosenthal
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 11, 2018
The 32-year-old Santana hit .229/.352/.414 with 24 homers, 28 doubles, 86 RBIs, and 110 walks over 161 games for the Phillies in 2018. He signed his current deal with Philadelphia last winter after spending eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians.
