By Joe Frisaro @ManOn2nd

The Marlins are looking to add run producers, and outfielder Michael Conforto is still on the free agent market.

But are the two sides a fit for each other?

The answer is yes, but the catch is for what price.

That’s the take of Tim Healey, the New York Mets’ beat reporter for Newsday.

Is Michael Conforto a fit for the #Marlins ? According to #Mets beat reporter @timbhealey he is. But at what price? Plus full @ManOn2nd podcast is available on @5ReasonsSports YouTube https://t.co/nSciHx3Scj pic.twitter.com/EY3bSM8CBI

— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 18, 2021

Healey was a recent guest on the ManOn2nd podcast, which is available on the Five Reasons Sports YouTube channel as well as on the @ManOn2nd Twitter account.

The reality is, the Marlins have had discussions with Conforto’s camp, and he remains a possibility.

The Marlins also are committed to increasing payroll to fill their needs. They’ve already signed free agent outfielder Avisail Garcia and extended right-hander Sandy Alcantara. Through trades, they’ve also acquired catcher Jacob Stallings and added infielder Joey Wendle.

Signing Conforto would be a big splash move for Miami. Is it realistic? Healey believes Conforto’s market will settle in the $80 million to $100 million range. Would the Marlins be willing to spend that much over four or five years?

Conforto turns 29 on March 1 as he is entering his prime years.

Remember, the Marlins weren’t willing to match or beat the four-year, $78 million deal Starling Marte, who is 33, signed with the Mets a few weeks ago.

Conforto is coming off a down 2021, but still remains a coveted free agent target. He provides left-handed, and is a proven 20-30 HR threat. The 10th overall pick by the Mets in 2014 belted 27 homers in 2017, 28 in ’18 and 33 in ’19.

Left-handed power plays at spacious loanDepot park, and Conforto has traditionally performed well against the Marlins.

In 40 games at loanDepot park, his slash line is .274/.390/.468 with five homers and 21 RBIs.

There are a lot of positives to spending top dollar on Conforto, but does he make the most sense?

Garcia is already expected to play right field. Jesus Sanchez is a left-handed hitter who can play right or left, as well. The Marlins may want to stick with Sanchez, also a left-handed hitter, and see if he develops into a legitimate big league regular. If he does, then passing on Conforto is understandable. Still, what if Sanchez isn’t the answer? Did he show enough in ’21 to be handed the job?

Garcia can play some center field, but it’s not ideal. Conforto also has played center, but that should really be on a limited basis.

The Marlins still are looking for a more of a traditional center fielder. They’ve been linked to trading for Ketel Marte of the D-backs.

The question then would be whether the Marlins are willing to move players off their big-league roster, including starting pitching and more.

Yes, the Marlins have some starter depth. But it’s not as deep as many believe. They’ve already traded Zach Thompson and prospect Kyle Nicolas to the Pirates in the Stallings’ trade. Another prospect, Jake Eder, will miss all of 2021 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, and Sixto Sanchez is coming back from surgery.

While Sanchez should be ready in Spring Training, until he gets back on the mound regularly, it’s hard to determine if and when he will be game ready. Pablo Lopez has had a history of shoulder injuries.

So, would the Marlins be willing to trade someone like Edward Cabrera for a center fielder? Maybe, but that would trim away more pitching depth.

Going the free agent route to upgrade the offense enables the Marlins to retain their depth. The tradeoff is they will have to make a commitment to spending, and the price for proven power hitters isn’t cheap.

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