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The Marlins needed a replacement in the lineup for Starling Marte, and they got one in former Brewers outfielder Avisail Garcia.
Garcia was a legitimate contributor in the lineup for a playoff team in the Brewers last season, slashing .262/.330/.490, but that wasn’t enough for Milwaukee to consider re-signing him or even giving him a qualifying offer.
Instead, the Brewers lost Garcia for nothing, as he signed with the Miami Marlins on Sunday afternoon in a mad dash to do so by many free agents before a potential work stoppage.
FanSided’s own Robert Murray had the initial report.
The Marlins lost Starling Marte to the New York Mets earlier this holiday week, meaning they needed a replacement. Garcia has the potential to do just that.
Marlins cash in on Avisail Garcia
The Marlins gave Garcia a four-year contract, per Craig Mish.
Garcia and Marte are of similar ages, and have similar potential in terms of run production, so it’s a curious decision by Miami to punt on the requests of the latter in favor of the former.
Nonetheless, expect the Marlins to make several moves in the lead-up to a potential lockout later this week. Miami is in the market for upgrades at several positions, and Garcia is just the beginning.
Given Garcia’s contract, which will pay him about $13.5 million per season, the Brewers decision not to give him a one-year qualifying offer is an interesting one. The Brewers offer would have been for over $18 million, but for just one season.
Had Garcia declined it and signed elsewhere, the Brewers would’ve received a compensatory draft pick. However, without an offer extended, they lose Garcia for nothing.
That’s the risk.