The Miami Marlins acquired infielder Luis Arraez from the Minnesota Twins on Friday in a four-man trade that exported veteran starting pitcher Pablo López and top infielder prospect Jose Salas (along with an intriguing young field prospect). A natural response to the trade was to ask how, precisely, the Marlins intended to deploy their collection of infielders. Thankfully, general manager Kim Ng has provided some insight into their plans, and here’s a preview: They involve moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to center field.
You read correctly. Chisholm, who has never played an inning in the outfield as a professional, was one of two potential inside picks to take over at shortstop following a recent trade that sent Miguel Rojas Jr. at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The other candidate, Joey Wendle, appears to have won the job by default. Elsewhere on the infield, Ng said newly acquired Arraez will likely see most of his action at second base, and free signing Jean Segura will take over at third base.
It’s worth noting that all of the aforementioned players – Chisholm, Wendle, Arraez and Segura – will be in new primary positions in 2023 compared to their assignments last season. Namely, Arraez’s main position in 2022 was first base; Chisholm and Segura were second; and Wendle’s was third. The Marlins are banking on these players as skilled adapters.
Chisholm, for his part, seems to have an enviable attitude about anything that changes positions. Craig Mish tweeted that the new outfielder told him his plans were to “go out, play the position and win a gold glove”. This last part may be overzealous, but it’s best to take a gloomy view.
Of course, the real question for the Marlins is whether the trade-offs they’ll make defensively are worth the gains they hope to make offensively. It is too early to say for sure; at a minimum, it’s fair to state that they’ll face a pretty uphill battle trying to usurp the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, or Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East pecking order.
