The Marlins sought to find a prospective shortstop to start Opening Day. 

A Major League deal for 2024 was reached by Miami and veteran Tim Anderson. Numerous reports state that the agreement is for one year and $5 million.

One of the White Sox's most recognizable players in recent years, Anderson, 30, became a free agent when the team rejected his $14 million option for 2024. Due to injuries, he hasn't participated in more than 123 games in a season since 2019. One of his main challenges in '23 was a persistent left knee strain. Anderson had the lowest OPS of all qualified hitters with just one home run and a .582 average.

Miami had been in need of a shortstop during the offseason. In 2023, their club had the lowest OPS in the Majors, at .578. The Marlins had planned to give utility player Jon Berti the majority of the reps at that position in '24, but they had not addressed the situation until now.

Miami is seeking Anderson to at least somewhat restore his previous form and establish himself in the middle of the infield. Between 2019 and 22, he was the only Major Leaguer to bat .300 or higher in every season. During that time, he won the batting title in 2019, was nominated for an AL MVP award and received a Silver Slugger in 2021, and was selected to the All-Star team in each of the following two seasons.

It is likely that Anderson's 2023 difficulties were influenced by the knee injury. Throughout the majority of his eight-year career, his sprint speed has been far above average; nevertheless, it dropped to the 46th percentile. As he did with Jake Burger, the Marlins third baseman and Anderson’s former White Sox teammate, at the Trade Deadline the previous season, hitting coach John Mabry can certainly assist Anderson at the plate.

The White Sox selected Anderson in the first round of the 2013 Draft. From 2017 to 21 (not counting the reduced 2020 season), Anderson brought in double-digit home runs and steals, reaching career highs in each category in 2018 with 20 and 26.

Overall, this Miami team needs Anderson to step-up to the plate and find his former successful self this season.