Marlins Place Former 1st-Round Pick Utility Player On Waivers

The Miami Marlins have designated infielder/outfielder Nick Gordon for assignment to create space on their active roster. 

This decision comes after the activation of outfielder Derek Hill, who was recently claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, and the acquisition of right-hander Brett de Geus off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. 

Gordon, 28, was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in an offseason trade for reliever Steven Okert. In his stint with Miami this season, he batted .227 with eight home runs, 32 RBIs, and five stolen bases over 95 games.

Nick Gordon was just designated for assignment by the last-place Miami Marlins after hitting .227/.258/.369 for a 71 OPS+ in 95 games.

Gordon ranked dead last among NL position players with negative-1.7 WAR.#MNTwins traded him to Miami for reliever Steven Okert in February.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) August 5, 2024

Despite his versatility, playing primarily in left field while also logging time in center field and at second base, Gordon’s performance has been underwhelming, with a .227/.258/.369 slash line and a strikeout rate of 24.4%. 

The acquisition of outfielders Derek Hill and Kyle Stowers, as well as infield prospect Connor Norby and center fielders Cristian Pache and Hill, has further crowded the roster, leaving little room for Gordon.

Nick Gordon DFA'd. The end of an era. pic.twitter.com/1TAwkKJb7P

— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) August 5, 2024

Gordon, a career .244 hitter with 23 home runs and 112 RBIs over four MLB seasons, now faces an uncertain future. 

He will be placed on outright waivers or released in the coming days. Given his service time, Gordon has the option to reject a minor league assignment if he clears waivers, but doing so would mean forfeiting the remainder of his $900,000 salary for this season. 

If unclaimed, he is likely to report to the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate in Jacksonville.

Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports