The Miami Marlins have made the tough decision to part ways with shortstop Tim Anderson. According to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, he was designated for assignment on Tuesday following a disappointing performance in the first half of the season, leaving him without a team.
Anderson, aged 31, struggled with a .214/.237/.226 batting line for the Marlins over 65 games, committing nine errors at shortstop. Despite signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Marlins in February with hopes of revitalizing his career, Anderson’s performance continued to decline, a stark contrast to his impressive numbers from just a couple of years ago that could have secured him a lucrative contract extension.
Originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox as the 17th overall pick in 2013, Anderson boasted a career .288/.316/.442 stat line until 2022, earning the title of the 2019 American League batting champion. He also had two All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger award to his name.
However, Anderson’s struggles began in 2023 when he failed to meet his previous standards. With a disappointing .245/.286/.296 batting line in Chicago that season, the White Sox chose not to exercise his $14 million option. Subsequently, Anderson joined the Marlins, but his tenure with the team has now come to an end.
The turning point for Anderson’s decline in 2023 can be traced back to a knee injury he suffered early in the season. On April 10, 2023, just 11 games into the season, Anderson sprained his MCL. Despite a promising start, his performance dipped upon his return on May 2, with his batting average plummeting to .238 for the remainder of the season.
Reflecting on his struggles at the end of the 2023 season, Anderson revealed to MLB.com writer Scott Merkin that the MCL injury significantly impacted his body mechanics, especially in his front leg, affecting his swing. He struggled to find his rhythm at the plate and has been unable to regain his previous form since.
While there is a possibility for Anderson to make a comeback with the right adjustments, his future in the major leagues remains uncertain without significant changes to his game. Only time will tell if Anderson can overcome his challenges and return to the diamond.