The Miami Marlins have made a significant roster change, designating veteran shortstop Tim Anderson for assignment. This decision comes as Anderson has struggled to find his form this season, prompting the Marlins to bring up infielder Xavier Edwards from the minors.
Anderson, who signed a one-year contract worth $5 million in the offseason, has had a challenging year at the plate. Over the course of 65 games, Anderson has posted a disappointing .214/.237/.226 slash line. The two-time All-Star and former batting champion has struck out in a career-high 28.2% of his plate appearances, managing only three extra-base hits in 234 at-bats. His struggles were further underscored when he committed an error during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite his previous accolades, Anderson's recent performance has notably declined. His overall career OPS+ is 95, but in his most recent 765 plate appearances, he has managed just a 51 OPS+. These numbers indicate a significant drop from his earlier years, making the Marlins' decision to move in a different direction more understandable.
The Marlins' season has been a difficult one, reflected in their 30-54 record. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the team is expected to be active sellers. The decision to bring up Xavier Edwards, who has hit .287/.333/.333 in 33 games with an 80 OPS+, is a move that signals a shift towards developing younger talent and possibly preparing for future seasons.
Edwards' promotion also opens opportunities for other internal options such as Vidal Bruján to step up and fill the shortstop position. The Marlins are in a transitional phase, looking to build a more competitive roster while navigating the challenges of the current season.
For Tim Anderson, this designation marks a low point in what has otherwise been a very successful career. Known for his batting prowess and notable performance stats earlier on, Anderson will now face uncertainty as he waits to see if another team claims him off waivers or if he will be outrighted from the Marlins' roster. Regardless of the outcome, the situation underscores the often unpredictable and unforgiving nature of professional sports.