Are the Miami Marlins finally starting to turn the corner? Probably not but it looks they are in that stage where they want people to believe they’re trying again before it all comes crashing down in another rebuild. When the Orioles let Jonathan Villar walk for nothing, I didn’t understand it. The Marlins were the team that took advantage. Miami has acquired Villiar for Easton Lucas. A no name prospect for Villar? Sign me up.
Craig Mish of MLB Network was the first to report the news:
The Orioles were going to cut Villar. All because they didn’t want to pay him $10.4 million in projected arbitration salary. However, Villar was a 4 WAR player in 2019 so he will provide surplus value if he just produces like a year ago. Last year Villar slashed .273/.339/.453 (107 wRC+) and played in all 162 games for Baltimore. Let’s not forget that Villar also stole 40 bags too. That’s walking surplus value that Baltimore essentially got nothing for.
While Villar doesn’t fit the Marlins timeline, this is a great buy. Finding a 4 WAR player for $10 million does not come around every day. The Marlins have Miguel Rojas and Isan Diaz up the middle so it will be interesting to see where Villar plays. He can play everywhere so I’m sure they will find a spot. The Marlins also claimed Jesus Aguilar so he projects to be their first baseman. Miami is quietly improving.
It’s not often that the Marlins take advantage of another team. They absolutely got this one right. Maybe Derek Jeter knows what he’s doing after all. Claim Villar, flip him at the deadline for a package. I can’t believe the Marlins are doing something smart for once.
