Marlins, Gordon talking long-term deal
MIAMI -- The Marlins are not expected to make any big free-agent signings. Internally, it's a different story, as the organization is eyeing locking up one of its own to a multiyear deal.
Negotiations are underway with All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon, a significant part of the team's core moving forward.
At the Winter Meetings last week in Nashville, Tenn., Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill met face to face with Gordon's agent, Rick Thurman of Beverly Hills Sports Council.
"They're ongoing," Hill said of the talks. "Every negotiation has its ebb and flow. I think they know we love him, we want him. We tried to do some guys last year and had mixed success in getting them on board."
Video: MIA@PHI: Gordon's near-cycle, wins NL batting title
After the 2014 season, Miami signed All-Star right fielder Giancarlo Stanton to the richest contract in North American sports history -- 13 years, $325 million. In Spring Training, left fielder Christian Yelich signed for seven years, $49.75 million.
The Marlins also were targeting long-term deals with outfielder Marcell Ozuna, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and right-hander Jose Fernandez.
Talks didn't go very far with Ozuna and Fernandez, both represented by Scott Boras. Hechavarria's agents are Miami-based Barry Praver and Scott Shapiro.
At the Winter Meetings, Ozuna and Fernandez were linked to numerous trade rumors. Trade inquires have dramatically quieted on Fernandez, who is arbitration-eligible for the first time. Ozuna, eligible for arbitration in 2017, could be a trade piece in a potential deal for a starting pitcher.
Hechavarria, entering arbitration in 2016, will have the necessary service time to become a free agent in '19. At this point, the Marlins have not reached out to Hechavarria regarding an extension.
Video: Dee Gordon wins first career Gold Glove Award
"Gordon is the one we're focused on right now," Hill said.
Gordon, who earned $2.5 million in 2015, has three more seasons in arbitration, if he doesn't agree to a multiyear deal. The arbitration exchange date is Jan. 15. Ideally, the two sides would like to reach an extension by then. But if nothing is done, the sides may agree on a one-year salary for 2016 while talks continue.
Gordon, 27, did it all in his first season with the Marlins -- winning the National League batting title (.333), an NL Gold Glove Award, an NL Silver Slugger Award and the Wilson Defensive Player of Year Award for the best second baseman.
Video: Dee Gordon announced as Silver Slugger winner
The speedster paced the Majors in stolen bases (58) and hits (205).
The fans voted Gordon into the All-Star Game as the NL's starting second baseman. However, he dislocated his left thumb and was unable to participate.
Along with Stanton and Yelich, the Marlins see Gordon as one of their cornerstone position players.
Video: ATL@MIA: Gordon swipes second, notches 55th steal
A Florida native, Gordon was a standout at Avon Park High School. He was a fourth-round pick in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Dodgers, and he previously played for Miami's new manager Don Mattingly in Los Angeles.
"We'll see where this one goes," Hill said of the contract talks. "But they're ongoing. They've been positive, nothing contentious at this point."