Inbox: Spot for Ichiro on '18 Marlins?

Beat reporter Joe Frisaro answers questions from fans

September 21st, 2017

has done everything he's been asked this year. Classy person, well-respected teammate. Is there a spot for him next year with the Marlins?
-- @fsutody

This will be an interesting decision for the prospective new ownership group of Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter. The Marlins have a $2 million club option on Ichiro for 2018. An iconic and immensely popular player, Ichiro will turn 44 on Oct. 22. This season, he's had the fewest at-bats of his career, by far -- just 187 -- and he's hitting .262 with a .327 on-base percentage.
If the Marlins go with a five-man rotation and eight relievers -- like they did this year -- then it becomes difficult to retain a fourth outfielder, especially one who doesn't play at least one infield spot. If Miami retains , and , Ichiro's playing time promises to be even more sparse, barring injury. But if the team rebuilds and there is sweeping turnover, that actually might increase Ichiro's chances of returning, because he could be a veteran presence on a young team. Ichiro has 3,079 Major League hits, and I know many want to see him have a chance to increase that number.
All things considered, do you see the Marlins taking more fliers than usual on reclamation and journeyman pitchers this offseason?
-- Adam S., Hattiesburg, Miss.

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Stockpiling as much pitching depth as possible will be a high priority for the organization, but whether it goes above and beyond in getting "reclamation" projects or "journeymen," I'm not sure the front office's effort will be any greater than what we see in a typical offseason. Each season, clubs sign Spring Training non-roster invitees, many of whom fit the description of what you are describing.
, who has started and pitched in long relief this year, was a nice pickup after he was released by the Nationals late in Spring Training. Kevin Slowey, a non-roster invitee in 2013, comes to mind as someone who made the Opening Day rotation that season. And two years ago, was a non-roster invitee in Spring Training. He was effective in 2016, and he signed a guaranteed deal for '17 on his way to becoming a reliable reliever.
I see your point on exploring whatever options are available, but I think these types of pitchers are typically signed over the course of a normal offseason.

What are thances Jeter reverts the team back to the Florida Marlins and to pinstripes?
-- @D_Rangel21

When the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County approved building Marlins Park, one of the conditions was the name change from Florida to Miami. So I don't see the organization changing from Miami back to Florida. Pinstripes? I wouldn't be surprised if new ownership tinkers with the uniforms. Whether that means going with pinstripes, who knows?
Are the Marlins thinking of moving , or do they still want to see more from ?
-- @lalo_827Marlins

Prado has appeared in just 37 games this year, and he's under contract through 2019. He's been on the disabled list with hamstring and knee issues, and he'll turn 34 on Oct. 27. I'm sure the Marlins will explore trade options, but considering Prado's injuries, it is doubtful he will be dealt in the offseason, unless Miami picks up the majority of the $28.5 million he is owed over the next two seasons.
There could be a better chance the Marlins retain Prado for 2018 and hope he returns to full health and can play consistently. If so, he could be a trade option either in Spring Training (before Opening Day) or by the non-waiver Trade Deadline next July.
As for Anderson, if Prado is dealt, the club's No. 3 prospect will likely get a shot at being the everyday third baseman. The big leagues are all about adjusting and progressing. This September is valuable for Anderson, but his performance won't guarantee him a roster spot next Opening Day.
Are the Marlins going to keep their solid six hitters -- , Ozuna, Yelich, Stanton, J.T. Realmuto and Dee Gordon?
-- @SterlingRodger3

You're asking a question that no one truly has an answer for at this point. Until the ownership change is official, there's only speculation regarding the 2018 roster. The bottom line is that the Marlins haven't reached expectations this season. There have been tremendous individual accomplishments, but not much team-wide success. Stanton, who will make $25 million next year, will most likely be at least discussed as a trade candidate. Of course, with a full no-trade clause, the MLB leader with 56 home runs has a say in where he goes -- if anywhere.
Based on how the season has played out, and the rising salaries on Miami's current roster, changes will undoubtedly be made. Bour and Realmuto could be the most likely to return because they will just be entering arbitration. Ozuna has two more years of arbitration eligibility remaining, and he will certainly have a big market for his services. Yelich and Gordon will also be costly to retain.