Marlins likely done with major moves

MIAMI -- Their offseason got rolling on Dec. 1 with the free agent signing of right-hander Edinson Vólquez, who is expected to challenge for a top of the rotation spot. On Tuesday, the Marlins made a low-profile trade by acquiring right-hander Severino González from the Phillies for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The addition of Gonzalez signaled something else. Now with all 40 roster spots filled, the Marlins likely are done making any more significant moves. The team could still bring in some non-roster invitees to Spring Training, but nothing is on the immediate horizon to sign a free agent to a guaranteed big league contract.
After the Marlins acquired right-hander Dan Straily from the Reds last week for three prospects, president of baseball operations Michael Hill said the team hadn't made pursuing position player depth a priority.
"It's not at the forefront of things for us," Hill said. "Our goal was to create as much pitching depth and quality as we could. I think with all the pitching that we've added this season, we've really made that a focus and gone out and to make sure that we made that happen this offseason."

Indications are nothing has changed since Hill's statements after the Straily trade.
In recent days, there had been reports that the Marlins were internally discussing whether to sign free agent first basemen Chris Carter or Mark Reynolds. Adding either would be extremely remote.
Financially, the Marlins are currently at their payroll limit, which will be around $110 million. To add an established player to even a modest contract of, say, $5 million, would require the approval of owner Jeffrey Loria.
The Marlins have repeatedly stated publicly that they intend to give left-handed-hitting first baseman Justin Bour more opportunities against lefty pitching. And the club is open to giving catcher J.T. Realmuto some time at first base as a right-handed option.
The Marlins also have been linked to outfielder Jeff Francoeur, who finished 2016 with Miami. Francoeur is open to playing some first base, and he is a popular clubhouse presence.
It appears now that the chances of Francoeur signing a guaranteed contract with the Marlins are slim. The question then becomes whether he would be willing to sign a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. That could eventually happen.
Acquiring Gonzalez also reinforces the Marlins' commitment to stockpiling as much pitching as possible.
In the Straily trade, the Marlins parted with right-handers Luis Castillo and Austin Brice.
Gonzalez essentially replaces the void left behind by Brice, who spent some time in the big leagues as a multi-inning reliever last year with the Phillies. Castillo, who has yet to pitch in the Majors, projects as a starter.
Gonzalez, 24, has an option, and he is expected to open the season at Triple-A New Orleans. If that plays out, he will get an opportunity to start.
The Marlins also appear to be leaning towards carrying eight relievers and 13 total pitchers, which means manager Don Mattingly could be operating with a four-man bench, instead of the more traditional five.
If they don't sign a veteran like Francoeur, the Marlins could give stronger consideration to going with either catcher Tomás Telis or outfielder Destin Hood on the Opening Day roster as a fifth bench player.
Telis, a switch-hitter, can play first base, and Hood can play all three outfield spots.