Miami Marlins Make Decisions On Gurriel, Iglesias

The Miami Marlins signed two of the last notable free agents left on the market earlier this month, and have now decided on their futures with the team. Yuli Gurriel is in; Jose Iglesias is out... Sort of. 

Yuli Gurriel made the Marlins 26 man. Jose Iglesias did not. Iglesias will stay with Marlins organization. Jon Berti will backup Joey Wendle at shortstop.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) March 26, 2023

According to general manager Kim Ng, Gurriel will break camp with the team, and serve as first baseman and DH. Iglesias was not able to win a role at shortstop, either as a starter or in a backup role, but "will remain with the organization" by accepting a demotion to the minors. Both players had the ability to opt out of their deals if they were not added to the big league roster by Sunday. 

Although Iglesias is passing on that opt-out opportunity for now, he will have two more chances at doing so, if he is not added to the Marlins' major league roster by May 1st, or again by June 1st. In the meantime, having been out of camp until very recently, he'll ramp-up in Triple-A.  

Joey Wendle will be the starting shortstop, as expected at the outset of camp, with speed merchant Jon Berti backing him up. 

Gurriel, the former batting champion with the Houston Astros, will be in a time-share at first with Garrett Cooper, the latter of whom can also get some time in a corner outfield spot, while both will also DH at times.

 Photo: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sport