Marlins look internally for offensive upgrades

ATLANTA -- Improvements to the Marlins' offense will likely be coming from those either already on the roster or moving up through the Minor League system.

It's no secret the youthful squad is searching for run support. The Marlins rank either last or near last in the Major Leagues in a number of significant statistical categories, including runs scored (452), home runs (64) and batting average (.232).

In the offseason, the Marlins aren't expected to make major free agent moves, so they will be banking on progression from the players already on the field.

The Marlins like their core players like rookie outfielders Christian Yelich, Jake Marisnick and Marcell Ozuna.

They plan to build around Giancarlo Stanton. And Logan Morrison is gaining his timing back after recovering from two surgeries to his right knee.

"A lot of those young players are here already," general manager Michael Hill said. "It's not like we're going to go out and look for upper-level outfield prospects, because we've got Yelich, Marisnick and Ozuna.

"We'll look at these next two months and see where we're at. Obviously, you want to score more runs and not waste such strong pitching performances."

Over time, the club feels rookie shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria has a chance to be a much better offensive player, as well.

"You hope with another year with all these guys, they make progression," Hill said. "You hope you get definite improvement with the guys you see on your roster, and see where you are at the end of the season, to see if there is the ability to upgrade whatever holes you've got."