One of the great candidates to reinforce the Miami Marlins heading towards the next season of the Major Leagues was completely ruled out for the organization, after the Canadian Josh Naylor reached an agreement to return to the Seattle Mariners for the next five years.
Recent reports indicate that the Fish would be willing to invest in their payroll in this break between contests and first base is one of the areas of greatest need for the team with a view to 2026, after the position generated an OPS of just .663 for the club in the previous season.
With Naylor leaving the free agent market, what options are available for the Marlins to bolster first base in 2026?
Pete Alonso
If the owner of the combine, Bruce Shermanis really interested in investing money in his squad for the next harvest, signing a player like Alonso, who became a figure with the New York Metswould undoubtedly send a clear message that the Marlins want to compete.
The “Polar Bear” would immediately become a middle-of-the-order bat for Miami and lead a group of sluggers that recorded the fourth-fewest home runs in the majors last year.
Paul Goldschmidt
Although Alonso is, without a doubt, the most striking name on the first baseman market today, Goldschmidt, at 38 years of age, also presents himself as an attractive alternative to generate solid production from the position and at a much more accessible price.
After signing a one-year, $12.5 million pact in 2025 with the New York Yankeesthe veteran hit for a .274 average, with an OBP of .328 and 10 home runs.
It is likely that “Goldy” is looking for a contract similar to the one he signed with the mules this time.
Ty France
France has just won his first Gold Glove in the big tent for his performance in the previous season, which ended with the runners-up Toronto Blue Jays.
The 31-year-old slugger has worn four different uniforms in the last two contests and is surely looking for greater stability through free agency.
While France is primarily known for the glove, his offense is far from a weak point. After joining the Canadiens before the trade deadline, he slashed .277/.320/.372 in 37 challenges and participated in the World Series that the Blue Jays lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
