NL East Notes: Marlins interested in Chris Carter, Braves boast best farm system

Miami is seeking a right handed hitting first baseman and is interested in free agent Chris Carter, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Though the Marlins are expected to open the season with Justin Bour as their starting first baseman, the club is reportedly seeking a veteran right-handed infield option. Carter could be an ideal candidate, though he might be seeking an extensive deal that the Marlins are not in a position to provide him.

Carter, 30, hit .222/.321/.499 with 41 home runs and 94 RBIs over 160 games with the Brewers last season. J.T. Realmuto is also expected to receive some playing time at first base next season.

Here is more from around the National League East:

• The Nationals have yet to sign the closer-type reliever they are seeking, though it seems they haven’t stopped looking,

• Atlanta has the best minor league system in baseball, according to ESPN’s Keith Law.

• The Phillies signed outfielder Michael Saunders, who made the American League All-Star team last season.

• New York opted to pass on James Loney, who signed a minor league deal with the Rangers on Friday.

• New Marlins starter Dan Straily seems to have trouble keeping the ball in the ballpark routinely.