MLB Rumors: Marlins Were In "Serious Talks" With Big-Name Free Agent

The Miami Marlins have never been known to spend big bucks in free agency. But according to insider Jon Heyman, under the rule of then-CEO Derek Jeter, they were in "serious talks" with free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos before the lockout.

Jeter/Marlins were in fairly serious talks with Miami-bred star OF Nick Castellanos before the lockout. We will see once the lockout ends whether he’s still in the plans. Might he be too expensive for them now?

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2022

The Marlins uncharacteristically spent some considerable dough before the lockout, signing outfielder Avisail Garcia to a 4-year, $53M contract. They're known to still be in the market for more outfield help, so their interest in Castellanos makes sense. Now that Jeter has severed his ties with the Marlins, will that still be the case under a Jeter-less regime?

Castellanos will cost much more than Garcia; he's established himself as a powerful middle-of-the-order bat, and the 29-year-old is in line, by most estimations, to secure a contract worth well in excess of $100M.

Marlins Insider Craig Mish reports that the team is indeed committed to spending more when business re-opens. 

It is my understanding the Marlins Ownership group remains fully committed to winning in 2022. That includes spending after the lockout is over. I’m not sure where the idea has come that they’re done because that is certainly not the case from my understanding.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) February 28, 2022

"It is my understanding the Marlins Ownership group remains fully committed to winning in 2022. That includes spending after the lockout is over," says Mish. "I’m not sure where the idea has come that they’re done because that is certainly not the case from my understanding."

Castellanos is a Miami-area native, so the Fish have a realistic shot if they offer him the bag.

Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK