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With the offensive struggles from the first base position in 2014, the Marlins have begun to explore potential trade options, including Chris Davis and Evan Gattis, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
The Marlins' first basemen finished the 2014 season with a WAR of 0.1, placing them 24th among MLB first basemen, according to Fangraphs. The starting first baseman for the majority of the season was Garrett Jones, who posted a .720 OPS, which was near the bottom compared to other first basemen around the league. Another concern with Jones was the numbers versus LHP, as he finished with a .539 OPS against southpaws.
After a very disappointing season this past year, Davis enters 2015 looking for a bounce back season. Although Davis hit 26 home runs in 2014, his .704 OPS was last among AL first basemen. The Marlins would be taking a calculated risk in trading for him, but there is the chance they land the 2013 version of Chris Davis: .286/.370/.634 with 53 home runs. Davis is currently entering his final arbitration year, and he could make close to $12 million in 2015. Factor in the breakout season from Steve Pearce, along with the high price for Davis in 2015, and the Orioles may very well be open to trading Davis to Miami.
Gattis' name being mentioned as a potential target comes at a bit of a surprise, given that he has appeared in just 4 career games at first base. But defense is not the Marlins' main concern, and Gattis reputation as a power hitter would fit in nicely behind Giancarlo Stanton's spot in the lineup.
Over the last two seasons, Gattis has had the highest slugging percentage among MLB catchers. Between sharing time with Brian McCann in 2013 and battling injuries in 2014, Gattis has been limited to just 783 plate appearances over the last two seasons. But in that limited time, Gattis has slugged 42 home runs, along with a .487 slugging percentage. Although it's a small sample size, the Marlins may also be considering the success they've witnessed first hand, as Gattis has a career line of .289/.349/.608 with 8 home runs in just 97 AB's against the Fish.