Hill looks to restock talent pool
Team expected to take dive into international market
MIAMI — Less than a week removed from the end of their season, Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill addressed the team’s offseason plans and a number of other key topics on Wednesday afternoon.
Improving the team’s talent pool will be a major focus after Miami finished 63-98 — its third-worst mark in team history. Speaking to reporters at an equipment giveaway at Miami Jackson High School, Hill said the Marlins plan to be active on the international market, which the team has ignored in previous years.
Highly-touted Cuban outfielder Victor Victor Mesa — the No. 1 international free agent — and his brother Victor Jr. will hold a workout at Marlins Park on Friday for all 30 MLB teams. With the second-highest allocation of international bonus pool money and Miami having a large Cuban population, the Marlins are considered one of the favorites to land the coveted prospects, who can sign immediately.
“It made so much sense to everyone to host this workout,” Hill said. “All 30 clubs are invited. We want the most talented players in baseball to be a part of what we’re building and Friday is hope-
fully the start of a productive offseason for us where we get better in every aspect and put ourselves in a position to be in the playoffs and bring a championship to South Florida.
“In the past, our international budgets weren’t where we needed to be. We didn’t maximize that area of talent acquisition. It’s something our new ownership group [led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter] knows that international talent is important when you’re trying to build a championship organization. We’re going to leave no stone unturned when trying to acquire talent.”
While Jeter indicated earlier this month that manager Don Mattingly will return for the final year of his contract, the Marlins haven’t given any definitive word regarding the rest of the coaching staff. Hill said no decisions have been made yet any of the team’s assistants.
On the J.T. Realmuto front, Hill reiterated he wants the All-Star catcher in Miami long-term. The 27 year old notched career highs in multiple offensive categories, slashing 277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs, 30 doubles and 74 RBI in 125 games.
Although he’s under contract for the next two seasons, there’s been heavy speculation on whether he’ll be back next year. Realmuto, who made $2.9 million this past season and is arbitration eligible, will likely command a hefty salary on the open market two years from now.
“It’s no secret — I think JT knows how we feel about him,” Hill said. “He had a tremendous season. It’s great to see his talent finally being recognized throughout the industry and as I’ve said consistently — we want him to be a part of what we’re doing in the long-term.
“We know we control him for the next two years. At the appropriate time, we’ll get with his representatives and see if we can do something longer term. That time hasn’t happened yet, but it’s something we definitely want to pursue.”
Speaking to Miami Jackson baseball players earlier in the afternoon, Hill joked that the team needed a first baseman for next season. After trading Justin Bour to the Phillies in August, the Marlins had a number of players rotate at the position. For the final month of the year, former University of Miami star Peter O’Brien played 22 games after being called up at the beginning of September.
The 28 year old was productive during stretch, slashing .273/.338/.530 with four home runs, five doubles and 10 RBI. Hill said O’Brien will be in the mix for the position next season as the team explores both internal and external candidates.
“He’s a very interesting player,” Hill said. “He took full advantage of his opportunity after being called to the big leagues. In his minor league season, he hit over 30 home runs. He has tremendous power and when you think about first base and the profile of the position, power is very important.”
Magneuris Sierra is expected to compete for the job in winter ball after completing his rookie season. The Marlins had outfielder/first baseman Garrett Cooper slated for winter ball as well, but he may not be ready after re-injuring his wrist in August.