Marlins yet to express interest in Pablo Sandoval

Miami was rumored to be interested in the third baseman, but MLB Daily Dish's Chris Cotillo notes the club has yet to reach out to Sandoval.

Miami is looking for improved offense at first base, and several major league executives have suggested the Marlins pursue a third baseman and switch Casey McGehee to first. Peter Gammons linked Pablo Sandoval to the Marlins in September, however MLB Daily Dish's Chris Cotillo reported on Wednesday the club has yet to express interest in Sandoval.

Although they are looking to upgrade several positions this offseason, deals may not get done until the organization's talks with Giancarlo Stanton are complete.

Sources: #Marlins and #Yankees have not expressed any interest in Sandoval to this point. Were rumored as potential fits in Sept/Oct.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 12, 2014

Sandoval posted a .279/.324/.415 batting line to complement 16 home runs and 73 RBIs. Considering the Marlins are looking for an offensive upgrade, their interest in Sandoval is not surprising. However, Sandoval could be an expensive option, and since the Marlins are looking to sign Stanton to a long term deal, the club may not be in a position to add Sandoval to the payroll.

Despite the fact that he is under team control for another season, the Marlins are reportedly disappointed in the offense of Garrett Jones and are searching for available first base options. Jones is owed $5 million next season, but the Marlins don't seem to have an issue moving on if they feel it will improve the club in the immediate future.

In terms of defensive capabilities, Sandoval is best suited for third base. He also posted a 3.0 WAR to compare with McGehee's 2.4 WAR in 2014, and McGehee's slower second half has given the Marlins reason to question his production hitting behind Giancarlo Stanton.

McGehee is arbitration eligible, and though talks have settled down, the Marlins were reportedly interested in extending him this past summer.

Miami may have a hard time competing with other teams for Sandoval considering the contract he will likely require. But the fact that the Marlins have not expressed interest just proves they are first attempting to get Stanton locked up.