MLB Hot Stove: Avisaíl García signs four-year contract with Marlins, according to reports

NS Miami Marlins agreed to the terms of a four-year, $53 million contract with free agent midfielder Avisaíl García, reporting Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. García is the number 44 in this season’s CBS Sports Top 50 Free Agents ranking.

García, 30 years old, is the champion of NL Central Brewer‘right hand daily in last season. In 135 games, he hit .262 / .330 / .490 (117 OPS+) with 18 doubles, 29 masters, 86 RBIs, 68 runs and eight stolen bases. He’s spent time in center before, but he’s much better in the corner and has an arm that’s good enough for him to maintain on the right.

It’s entirely possible that the Marlins haven’t finished adding to their roster, but as all goes well, it’s likely that they will go into Open Day 2022 with García on the right pitch – and in a prominent position like three holes – Brian De La Cruz is in the center and Jesús Sánchez is on the left. Lewis Brinson could find a combination, but he’s heading into the 28-year-old and has yet to prove he can hit the big league pitches.

The Marlins were 67-95 last season, but there’s plenty of reason to believe their pitching is in superb form heading into next year compared to the likes of Trevor Rogers, Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez and maybe a rotation campaign from Jesus Luzardo.

It’s a need to work offense and while we can’t expect the Marlins to spend tons of money, their payroll has been stripped to the bone. Perhaps the move is the first one made by general manager Kim Ng and her senior office here towards 2022, where they hope to take a big step forward in NL East.