The Miami Marlins have made a significant roster move by designating veteran shortstop Tim Anderson for assignment. The 29-year-old infielder, who signed a one-year contract worth $5 million in the offseason, has struggled mightily this season, ultimately leading to this decision. In his place, the Marlins will bring up infielder Xavier Edwards.
Anderson’s Struggles This Season
Tim Anderson has notably been unable to find his form this season. Over the course of 65 games, he managed a disappointing .214/.237/.226 slash line. His performance has been marked by a career-high strikeout rate of 28.2% in his plate appearances. Additionally, Anderson's power has been virtually nonexistent, as he managed only three extra-base hits in 234 at-bats.
The veteran shortstop's defensive reliability also came under scrutiny. Anderson committed an error during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, further compounding his woes. As a two-time All-Star and former batting champion, the sharp decline in his performance over the past 765 plate appearances, which yielded a 51 OPS+, has been glaring. For context, Anderson has an overall career OPS+ of 95.
Marlins’ Season and Future Moves
The Miami Marlins have been having a tough season, currently holding a 30-54 record. With the trade deadline approaching on July 30, the team is expected to be active sellers, looking to reshape their roster for the future. Anderson's designation for assignment appears to be a part of this broader strategy to recalibrate. His departure opens up opportunities for younger talent, like Xavier Edwards, to showcase their skills at the major league level.
Introducing Xavier Edwards
Xavier Edwards, who will be taking Anderson’s spot, has shown promise in his limited appearances so far. Edwards has hit .287/.333/.333 in 33 games, translating to an 80 OPS+. This demonstrates a solid foundation and potential for growth as he brings his talent to the Marlins’ lineup. The team hopes his addition will inject some much-needed vitality and consistency into their play.
Other Options at Shortstop
While Edwards will get the initial call-up, he isn’t the only internal option for the Marlins at shortstop. Vidal Bruján is among the players the team is considering to fill the crucial position. The Marlins’ management will be closely monitoring the performances as they seek to find the right combination to turn their fortunes around.
The roster shake-up signifies a critical juncture for the Marlins. The decision to designate Tim Anderson for assignment underscores the urgency with which the team is addressing their current performance issues. The coming weeks will reveal how these changes impact the Marlins as they navigate the remainder of a challenging season.