Blue Jays linked to interest in Marlins’ 1B Logan Morrison

Miami Marlins first baseman Logan Morrison reacts to getting picked off at first in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

According to Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, the Toronto Blue Jays could be one of a handful of teams that are interested in making a trade for Miami Marlins first baseman Logan Morrison.

Morrison, 26, is the owner of a career .249/.337/.427 triple slash, .335 wOBA and 108 wRC+. The former top prospect has struggled to find consistency since breaking into the big leagues with the Marlins in 2010. He has a good strikeout to walk ratio but has seen his power slip the last few seasons after putting up a career best .221 ISO in 525 plate appearances during 2011. He’s arbitration for the first time this year.

Bob Elliott at the Toronto Sun also shared that the Blue Jays were discussing a package that included current 1B/DH Adam Lind in exchange for Morrison but the Marlins weren’t biting.

"The Jays mentioned DH-first baseman Adam Lind as part of trade talks. The Marlins said Lind was not a good fit for them, no matter the package."

Why would the Blue Jays even be interested in Morrison, you may ask? If you compare his 2013 numbers to Lind’s, it appears as though Lind is the far superior player. But looking at their career numbers the comparison gets a little closer and the pair actually have identical 108 wRC+ marks. Add to the fact that Morrison walks more, strikes out less, can handle left-handed pitching and may still yet realize some of his former top prospect potential, you could see why the Blue Jays might be intrigued in Morrison as a buy-low candidate with a fair amount of upside.

The availability of Morrison may also help determine how heavily the Blue Jays can shop Lind at the Winter Meetings (or later on this off-season). Kicking tires gives Blue Jays’ GM Alex Anthopoulos an idea of the market if a deal for Lind surfaces and creates the need for a DH/1B replacement.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a hole to fill now that Justin Morneau has signed with the Colorado Rockies so their presumed interest in Morrison makes sense. The Pirates have also been linked to interest in Lind and James Loney but Morrison’s projected $1.7 million salary (h/t MLB Trade Rumors) is likely a more appealing option for the cash-strapped Bucs. The Rays are another option but may end up bringing back Loney if he lowers his asking price (h/t Tampa Bay Times).