Report: Marlins Lead In Trying To Sign Mark Buehrle
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Perhaps the biggest need heading into free agency for the Miami Marlins was in the pitching rotation.
The Marlins addressed the closer's role on Friday when they inked pitcher Heath Bell to a 3-year/$27 million contract.
Now, it looks like the Marlins may be in position to sign former Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle.
According to Comcast Sports Net's Chuck Garifen, the Marlins are the leading team to sign Buehrle this offeseason. Garifen said the Marlins' offer to Buehrle is "a very strong one."
The Comcast Sports report said the only thing standing in the way right now is Buehrle wants a no-trade clause, which the Marlins have never given a player.
Buehrle is 161-119 for his career and has a lifetime ERA of 3.83. Last season, Buehrle went 13-9 with a 3.59 ERA and pitched 205.1 innings on the season.
Being a lefty, Buehrle could slot in right behind Marlins ace Josh Johnson and give the Fish a solid rotation of pitchers to push the Phillies in the National League East.
Still, The Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals are also said to be after Buehrle.
The southpaw will likely be signed at some point this week during baseball's winter meetings in Dallas, Texas.
