Marlins reportedly close to signing Christian Yelich to 7-year deal
JUPITER, Fla. -- It's not a secret that the Miami Marlins have one of the top outfields in baseball with two-time All-Star Giancarlo Stanton, Gold Glove winner Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna.
According to a report by MLB.com's Joe Frisaro on Wednesday afternoon, the Marlins are close to signing Yelich to a seven-year deal worth more than $40 million.
The #Marlins are close signing Christian Yelich to a 7-yr deal worth more than $40 million total
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) March 18, 2015
In his first full big-league season in 2014, Yelich hit .284 with a .362 on-base percentage, nine home runs and 54 RBI in 144 games, primarily as the leadoff batter. This winter, Rawlings awarded him the Gold Glove after pacing the majors with a .996 fielding percentage in left.
Christian Yelich nearing 7-year deal with #Marlins worth near $50 million, sources confirm @mikelowell25 @clarkspencer @JonHeymanCBS.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 18, 2015
Yelich, who turned 23 in December, was taken in the first round (23rd overall) by the Marlins in the 2010 draft. He made his big-league debut July 23, 2013. During his rookie season, he hit .288 (.370 OBP) with four homers and 16 RBI in 62 games.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder wasn't going to be arbitration eligible until 2017 and a free agent until 2020.
In November, Miami signed Stanton to a record-breaking 13-year, $325 million contract. Reports also circulated in the offseason that the Marlins had offered multi-year deals to Yelich, Gold Glove finalist shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and ace Jose Fernandez.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
