Marlins catchers were the least productive group of backstops in the National League last year, batting a combined .200/.272/.298. and caught every inning for Miami in 2023, but Stallings was non-tendered last week as the Fish look to turn the page and bring in a more productive all-around option. Newly hired president of baseball operations Peter Bendix addre sed the need when chatting with reporters plainly stating that the Marlins need catching help this offseason and that adding multiple catchers to bolster the organizational depth would be ideal. He added that the Fish are open to both trades and free-agent options at the position. Thats not nece sarily an indication that the 27-year-old Fortes is on borrowed time with the organization. While he hit just .204/.263/.299 in 323 plate appearances last year, Fortes grades out as a superlative defender and has multiple minor league options remaining. Depending on the Simisola Shittu Jersey magnitude of the seemingly inevitable catching additions Miami makes, he could be in a timeshare, a strict backup role or even retained as depth in the upper minors. Also under consideration (but not on the 40-man roster) is 24-year-old prospect , the No. 69 overall pick in the 2018 draft. Banfield went through Double-A for a second time in 2023, turning in a respectable .258/.302/.472 slash with 23 home runs. He rarely walks and might never be reliable to post even an average on-base percentage in the big leagues, but Banfield had a power breakout in 23 after being labeled a glove-only catcher throughout most of his time in the minors. Hes not yet on the 40-man roster and is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, but if he goes unclaimed he could be in line for his big league debut at some point in 2024. Still, its clear that Bendix and his staff will need to bring in catching help at some point. The free-agent market isnt especially deep at the position. is the top offensive option available, though hes coming off several injury-shortened seasons and might be used in more of a hybrid catcher/DH role wherever he signs. Alternatives include , and . There are several glove-first options available (e.g. , ), but their generally lackluster offensive track records would only position Miami to find itself with subpar production similar to that which they endured in 2023. The trade market could feature a few more interesting alternatives. There are some notable change-of-scenery candidates like San Franciscos and perhaps St. Louis , neither of whom has a path to regular at-bats thanks to the respective presences of and . The Twins are looking to scale back payroll and had a breakout 2023 showing from , which likely makes veteran available. Hes still owed two years and $20MM. Vazquez had a tough year at the plate in 2023 but was only a bit below the league average at the plate from 2019-22.That, of course, is simply a speculative handful of names rather than any kind of comprehensive rundown of potentially available names. In terms of payroll, the Marlins might not have much space with which to work. Roster Resource currently projects them at just over $96MM about $14MM shy of where they wrapped up the 2023 season. But in addition to help at catcher, the Marlins could also stand to explore upgrades at shortstop and in the outfield, to say nothing of some moves to deepen the rotation mix. While the starting staff has long been a strength in Miami, its not quite as robust as it once was. will mi s the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. was traded to the Twins in last winters deal. Top prospect went to the White Sox in exchange for . Fellow prospects and have been injured. The Fish still have a talented rotation group , , , , but theyre not as flush with arms as they once were. Thats significant both because it creates a po sible need to add to the group and also reduces the ease with which they can trade from their stock of arms in order to addre s other deficiencies, such as the glaring need at catcher Bendix recently referenced. Chandler Hutchison Jersey