Report: Marlins had talks with Conforto before lockout
The Miami Marlins had discussions with free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto's camp before the lockout, according to MLB insider Joe Frisaro.
The Marlins have been tied to multiple outfielders this winter, reportedly showing interest in free agent Nick Castellanos and Arizona Diamondbacks utility man Ketel Marte. The club already signed Avisail Garcia to a four-year, $53-million contract.
Conforto, 28, became a free agent after rejecting the New York Mets' one-year, $18.4-million qualifying offer. He'll be one of MLB's most sought-after position players once the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
The former All-Star is coming off a down year at the plate after hitting .232/.344/.384 with 14 homers and one stolen base in 125 games. Conforto boasts an .824 OPS with 132 home runs and 18 steals over seven MLB seasons.
The Marlins were one of the league's more active teams before the lockout. In addition to landing Garcia in free agency, they acquired third baseman Joey Wendle from the Tampa Bay Rays and catcher Jacob Stallings from the Pittsburgh Pirates. They also extended right-handed starter Sandy Alcantara.
The division-rival Mets don't seem interested in retaining Conforto after signing Starling Marte and Mark Canha to multi-year deals to patrol their outfield alongside Brandon Nimmo.