The News

The Miami Marlins signed three-time All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson to a minor-league deal on Tuesday, which includes a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.

His contract could earn him as much as $1.75M (with $250K in incentives) in the Majors, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Granderson, who turns 38 in March, ended the 2018 season hitting .242(batting average)/.351(on base percentage)/.431(slugging percentage) with the Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers.

Over his 15-year career, he has proven himself to be consistent as both a hitter and fielder, boasting a .252 batting average and tallying 4,044 putouts in 4,152 chances.

With Spring Training just two weeks away, Granderson must fight for a spot on the active roster; an uphill battle considering his young and talented competition, which includes Brian Anderson* (25), Lewis Brinson (24), Austin Dean (25), Monte Harrison (23) and Magneuris Sierra (22), among others.

Advantage Grandy

Granderson is going to have a couple of advantages heading into what could be the final season of an exceptional career.

Miami’s front office is very familiar with the one-time Silver Slugger (2011), as he and Marlins’ CEO Derek Jeter were teammates on the New York Yankees from 2010 to 2013. Over that span, the Yankees clinched a post-season berth three consecutive times (2010-2012), reaching the American League Championship Series twice.

Aside from his invaluable experience, Granderson’s biggest advantage on the field may be the fact he’s a left-handed hitter in a lineup dominated by righties. Shortstop JT Riddle is the only active lefty currently on the roster.

For his handedness to be a factor, however, Granderson will have to prove his bat over fellow Spring Training invitee Pedro Alvarez and switch hitters Neil Walker and Rosell Herrera.

Adding Value

With over a decade of experience in the league and eight playoff runs under his belt, including three trips to the World Series, Granderson is an interesting addition to a Miami team with very little veteran leadership. He could prove vital in the Marlins’ dugout — if he’s able to earn his keep.

CUUUURTIS! He sends his best. pic.twitter.com/NyKWV4FMq0

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 9, 2019

Additional Notes:

If no surprises arise in Spring Training, the Marlins’ starting outfield will likely include Granderson or Dean in left field, Brinson in center and Anderson* in right.

*Per Don Mattingly at Marlins’ FanFest, the team is going to try Anderson at third base this season. Martin Prado is still expected to compete for playing time, but this is good news for Dean, Granderson and the others competing for that final starting spot in the outfield.

With Granderson’s hitting numbers substantially better against right-handed pitchers, if he makes the team, expect a platoon setup opportunity with Dean and Brinson throughout the season.

Marlins’ outfield prospects will now have an opportunity to learn from recently hired minor league outfield coordinator, and 2003 World Series champion, Juan Pierre.