Tim Anderson, Miami Marlins in Agreement on One-Year Deal
Former White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and the Miami Marlins have agreed on a one-year, 5-million-dollar deal. Anderson had an uncharacteristic 2023 season, hitting .245 with only a single home run and a -0.5 WAR. He has been a productive player in his eight-year career, with an 18.7 career WAR, 98 home runs, and a .282 career batting average. This poor season for not only Anderson but the White Sox was defined by one moment. Guardians star third baseman Jose Ramirez knocked out Anderson in a brawl with a right hand. The Marlins took a flier on Anderson, how will it play out for both sides?
It’s not certain that Anderson will be starting at shortstop for the Marlins. He is going to have to compete with guys like Jon Berti and rookie Jacob Amaya for the job. Amaya, the ninth-ranked prospect in the Marlins organization who saw nine at-bats for the big league club in 2023, seems to be the favorite for the job. Berti can play this base and second base if that’s the case. It’s going to be interesting to see what they do with Anderson, who played a majority of his games in Chicago playing shortstop.
Anderson has played second base on occasion with the White Sox. In 2023, only two of his 121 games came at second base. Anderson isn’t slick with the glove, either. In 2023, he lodged -16 defensive runs saved in 119 games at shortstop. If he wants to win the starting shortstop job in Miami, Anderson needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball.
The best-case scenario for Anderson and the Marlins is if he is able to move around the infield. Anderson is, obviously, going to see innings at shortstop. Anderson is going to have to play some third and second base in Miami. If Anderson can be a utility man around the infield and gets some life back in his bat, this is going to end up a good deal for both sides.
