The Miami Marlins have made their first attempt to build depth in their outfield and offered a contract to a veteran. In Atlanta, the Braves inked a veteran infielder/outfielder to a minor-league contract for the 2015 season.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Marlins have made a one-year, $2 million offer to Ichiro Suzuki, who they've been linked to for quite a while now. Miami has been looking to add depth to their outfield since they have nobody behind Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich. Martin Prado is the only other outfielder on the depth chart and he's the team's starting third baseman.
Ichiro would be a solid veteran addition among such a young group of outfielders, but it's unknown if he'll take that big of a pay cut after making $6.5 million in each of the past two seasons. The 14-year yeteran slashed .284/.324/.340 with 42 runs scored, 22 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 143 games with the New York Yankees in 2014.
"Ichiro, a 10-time All-Star, likes the idea of playing in Miami but has been waiting to see if an opportunity arises where he could earn more playing time elsewhere," writes Jackson. "Resolution is expected soon."
As for their division rival, the Atlanta Braves signed Kelly Johnson to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The 32-year-old Johnson spent last season with the Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles and batted .215/.296/.362 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs in 106 games.
Johnson was drafted in the first round by the Braves in 2000 and spent 2005-2009 with the team. Atlanta signed Alberto Callaspo earlier in the offseason to serve as a veteran presence in the infield as well and they'll have solid depth if Johnson makes the roster.
The Marlins and Braves have been fairly active this offseason and it's possible they look to make more moves before spring training. These veterans could be essential for both of these clubs in some capacity if they join the team in 2015.
