Marlins reach agreement with reliever Marmol
Former Cubs closer would be top candidate to fill eighth-inning role
MIAMI -- The Marlins have been searching for a veteran reliever with experience closing. They appear to have found one in Carlos Marmol.
MLB.com has confirmed that Marmol has agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, pending completion of his physical. ESPNDeportes.com first reported the deal.
Marmol, 31, is a hard-throwing right-hander with 117 career saves, all coming in parts of eight seasons with the Cubs. At issue is his ability to throw strikes and get ahead in counts.
But Miami isn't looking for Marmol to close. Steve Cishek, who converted 34 of 36 save chances last year, is firmly entrenched in the closer role.
Signing Marmol offers some insurance for Cishek, and he becomes the front-runner to set up in the eighth inning. Last year, Marmol pitched for the Cubs and Dodgers, and he combined for a 2-4 record with a 4.41 ERA.
The Marlins' bullpen is shaping up to have Cishek closing, while Marmol, A.J. Ramos and Carter Capps are right-handers expected to make the squad. Mike Dunn is the primary lefty. Miami is expected to carry seven relievers. Five of the spots appear filled.
In his career, Marmol has appeared in 504 games, and he has 730 strikeouts.
The Marlins have yet to officially announce the signings of Marmol and infielder Jeff Baker, who reached agreement earlier in the week. Because Miami's 40-man roster is completely full, two moves must be made before Baker and Marmol officially are named to the squad.
Marmol is playing for Licey of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series in Venezuela.