The Miami Marlins find themselves fighting for a playoff spot with two weeks left in the regular season, but their offseason priorities are already taking shape.
A significant item on their to-do list is to bolster the shortstop position, primarily due to the impending free agency of infielder Joey Wendle, who has been the primary occupant of the shortstop position.
One of the few MLB players to not use batting gloves, Wendle has had a subpar year, managing a .222/.257/.323 slash line, resulting in a woeful wRC+ of 54.
Even if the 33-year-old veteran was not bound for free agency after the season, the Marlins would likely be exploring alternatives due to his underwhelming performance in 2023.
"It's been a challenging year for me. I'm more frustrated than anybody else about it. Just been unable to make some adjustments," the 2021 MLB All-Star said.
Wendle has been unable to achieve the same level of play he had during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018 to 2021.
The former West Chester University of Pennsylvania player hit .274 and .330 in 400 games with the Rays.
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Miami Marlins clinging to playoff hopes
The team is in third place in the National League East standings with a win-loss record of 75-72, but they are in the middle of the mix in the tight NL Wild Card race.
The team will be outside the playoff picture entering Thursday, but they are only a game behind the San Francisco Giants, who hold the last spot in the Wild Card.
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