The Miami Marlins add outfield depth with veteran Daniel Johnson on what is likely a minor-league deal, inviting him to spring training for a potential long shot at the majors.
The Miami Marlins on Friday signed Daniel Johnson to a minor-league contract, plus extended the journeyman outfielder an invitation to spring training, Johnson announced on social media.
The Marlins continue conducting business as spring training inches closer. The team on Wednesday traded away Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a promising young talent, Owen Caissie, including a couple of prospects.
Johnson has played four seasons in the majors with three different teams: the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Cleveland Guardians. He's had 152 plate appearances, 143 at-bats, 28 hits, six runs batted in, three stolen bases, five home runs, a batting average of .196, a .243 on-base percentage, a slugging percentage of .322, and a WAR of -0.2 in 67 total games.
After getting drafted in 2016 by the Washington Nationals in the fifth round, the 30-year-old has traveled a long and winding road.
It's worth noting that Johnson has played a total of 357 innings in the outfield, where the Marlins already have incredible depth with All-Star Kyle Stowers, Caissie, Griffin Conine, and Jakobe Marsee.
Johnson is expected to start the season in Triple-A with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He has six years of experience at that level of the minors, with 1,762 plate appearances, 1,584 at-bats, 407 hits, 64 home runs, 238 runs batted-in, 48 stolen bases, a batting average of .257, .323 on-base percentage, and a .452 sluggish percentage in 412 total games.
It would take an outstanding showing in spring training for Johnson to reach the majors again.
Another possibility, with no indications of it happening yet, is transitioning from outside the diamond to first base. It may be a long shot, but there were reports about the Marlins giving Conine some reps in that position, as the team desperately needs talent and experience there.
It's going to be an interesting spring training as the organization looks to take the next step in the development process, with the Peter Bendix regime entering its third season. The goal should be contention within the National League after falling short of the playoffs by only four games.
It's worth noting that the Marlins will play four games broadcasting exclusively on Peacock. Even the TV side of sports is paying attention to the excitement brewing in South Florida. They've done an outstanding job in acquiring overlooked talent; the tradition could continue for Johnson's development.
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