Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Marlins are continuing their search for a new third baseman, and their solution may come via Japan with Casey McGehee now being rumored as a candidate. McGehee last played in MLB in 2012 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees. After a tough season at the plate, McGehee moved to Japan to play for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, who just happened to win the championship due in part to his contributions.
While big numbers in Japan do not always translate in the USA, McGehee is worth taking a chance on as his contract demands should be relatively low.
In 2012, McGehee slashed an abysmal .217/.284/.358 over his time with the two clubs. However, this came only two short years after he slashed .285/.337/.464 with the Milwaukee Brewers. McGehee had 23 home runs and 104 RBIs during that campaign. The infielder, who can also play first base, had a great year in his rookie season of 2009 as well and finished fifth in voting.
Ever since that 2010 season, it has been a steep fall from grace for McGehee, but he showed some of that promise in Japan during 2013. While in Japan, McGehee hit .298 with 28 homers and 93 RBIs. Those are tremendous numbers that he is unlikely to duplicate in MLB during 2014 should he return, but it also shows the possibility that he could improve on his 2012 season and be an asset.
When looking tat the other options for the Marlins, McGehee would undoubtedly be an improvement. Other options being considered by the Marlins are reportedly Wilson Betemit, Ed Lucas, Donovan Solano, or a trade involving their prized young arms.
McGehee could command a contract of upwards of $2 million considering what the Golden Eagles may offer to keep him and his rumored desire to return to the USA. That’s a worthwhile risk for the Marlins and something they should make the move on. McGehee is no sure thing, but neither is anyone else the Marlins are considering, and this won’t cost the team any prospects as well.
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