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The Marlins have made a couple of unsuccessful runs at Cuban free agents in recent years. They made bids on both Aroldis Chapman and Yoenis Cespedes, and now they're showing interest in another product of the island nation.
They're not alone.
According to a source monitoring Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, the Marlins have seen the Cuban right-hander multiple times. They are believed to consider Gonzalez, 26, as a major-league ready middle-of-the-rotation starter, but the source questions the club's financial wherewithal to sign him considering the competition.
Gonzalez, who is awaiting clearance to negotiate with teams, threw for scouts Friday in Tijuana, Mexico. The Marlins' interest could wane once the bidding starts. Some have speculated Gonzalez could command a contract upward of the $42 million deal the Dodgers gave Yasiel Puig.
The big-spending Cubs, Red Sox, Rangers and Dodgers are all believed to have serious interest in Gonzalez. Once factor that potentially could impact the Marlins' involvement is whether Gonzalez wants to cash in now or if he prefers to sign a shorter-term deal and hit the free agent market again in say four years at age 30.
What makes Gonzalez attractive to clubs in addition to the prospect of an immediate return is that he doesn't count against the international signing bonus cap.
Ricky Nolasco's money coming off the books does give the Marlins payroll flexibility. He's their lone player making more than $2.75 million. Beyond this season, the club's only payroll commitments are Adeiny Hechavarria ($1.75 million), Jeff Mathis ($1.5 million) and Jacob Turner ($1 million). Players like Giancarlo Stanton and Steve Cishek should earn substantial raises as they enter their arbitration years, but not the kind that would blow out the 2014 payroll.
The Marlins conceivably could add a $10 million per season pitcher like Gonzalez or someone else and still have a sub-$50 million outlay next season.
They're not alone.
According to a source monitoring Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, the Marlins have seen the Cuban right-hander multiple times. They are believed to consider Gonzalez, 26, as a major-league ready middle-of-the-rotation starter, but the source questions the club's financial wherewithal to sign him considering the competition.
Gonzalez, who is awaiting clearance to negotiate with teams, threw for scouts Friday in Tijuana, Mexico. The Marlins' interest could wane once the bidding starts. Some have speculated Gonzalez could command a contract upward of the $42 million deal the Dodgers gave Yasiel Puig.
The big-spending Cubs, Red Sox, Rangers and Dodgers are all believed to have serious interest in Gonzalez. Once factor that potentially could impact the Marlins' involvement is whether Gonzalez wants to cash in now or if he prefers to sign a shorter-term deal and hit the free agent market again in say four years at age 30.
What makes Gonzalez attractive to clubs in addition to the prospect of an immediate return is that he doesn't count against the international signing bonus cap.
Ricky Nolasco's money coming off the books does give the Marlins payroll flexibility. He's their lone player making more than $2.75 million. Beyond this season, the club's only payroll commitments are Adeiny Hechavarria ($1.75 million), Jeff Mathis ($1.5 million) and Jacob Turner ($1 million). Players like Giancarlo Stanton and Steve Cishek should earn substantial raises as they enter their arbitration years, but not the kind that would blow out the 2014 payroll.
The Marlins conceivably could add a $10 million per season pitcher like Gonzalez or someone else and still have a sub-$50 million outlay next season.
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