The Miami Marlins are in the MLB postseason picture with August approaching in late July, but efforts to improve their chances of a playoff run will be determined by moves made at the MLB trade deadline.
Miami has already been active in the trade market this summer. It acquired reliever Jorge Lopez from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Dylan Floro then acquired David Robertson from the New York Mets.
However, the Marlins are far from finished. Miami has been linked to multiple starting pitchers on the trade blocker and it’s also focused on improving its lineup with a high-upside bat.
Related: MLB trade tracker
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Miami Larins are among the teams interested in Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. With the White Sox committed to selling, Anderson is very much available.
“The Marlins are looking at White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who has finally gotten hot. He still ranks last in OPS among all qualified hitters, but his approach at the plate after the All-Star break has been much better. Anderson is hitting balls to right field again; that’s when he is at his best.”
Jesse Rogers on Miami Marlins interest in Tim Anderson
Run production is a major issue for Miami right now. Entering MLB games today, the Marlins ranked fourth in team batting average (.263) but are 22nd in slugging (.398) and 26th in runs scored (422).
Anderson would solve a specific issue in the Marlins’ lineup. Miami’s shortstops currently rank 22nd in SLG (.398), 19th in OPS (.718) and 18th in wRC+ (97). While Anderson is having a career-worst season at the plate, there are recent signs that he’s turning things around.
- Tim Anderson stats: .241/.282/.282, 20.6% K-rate, .564 OPS, 56 wRC+
Since the All-Star Break, Anderson is slashing .347/.407/.388 with a 128 wRC+ and a .795 OPS. He’s also demonstrated more patience at the plate, lowering his strikeout rate to 18.5 percent in his last 12 games.
Related: Latest on Chicago White Sox plans with Tim Anderson
With a career .283/.313/.427 slash line and a .740 OPS, Anderson’s track record of production suggests he should be able to return to form with a change of scenery. If the Marlins acquire him, they’ll have a $14 million team option for the 2024 season, with a $1 million buyout.