On Friday night, the Miami Marlins will play their first game of the new season when they host the Colorado Rockies in Florida.
The Marlins have made a lot of roster moves to get ready for Opening Day.
Marlins Officially Announce Signing Of 9-Year MLB Player
GettySAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 5: Austin Slater #13 of the San Francisco Giants rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres October 5, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, the Marlins announced that they had signed MLB veteran Austin Slater to a contract.
Craig Mish of SportsGrid wrote (on March 24): “Marlins are in agreement with FA OF Austin Slater – ML deal. Great little pickup late to fill the void with the OF injuries. Strong career numbers vs LHP. Opted out of Tigers deal last week.”
GettyBOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 14: Austin Slater #29 of the New York Yankees makes a catch on Romy Gonzalez #23 of the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Fenway Park on September 14, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Slater’s MLB Career
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates with Austin Slater #29 after scoring a run during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2025, in the Bronx borough of New York City. Members of the New York Yankees were given permission by MLB to wear FDNY and NYPD hats tonight, honoring the fallen first responders of 9/11. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Slater is coming off a year where he appeared in 65 games for the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.
He batted .216 with five home runs, 13 RBI’s and 22 runs.
During spring training, Slater had been with the Detroit Tigers.
Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic wrote (on March 21): “The Tigers granted OF Austin Slater his unconditional release. Slater was able to exercise a release clause if not added to the team’s roster by today.
He is now a free agent.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 30: Austin Slater #29 of the New York Yankees looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Slater has played nine seasons for the Yankees, White Sox, Giants, Orioles and Reds.
Over 699 games, the 33-year-old is batting .248 with 45 home runs, 184 RBI’s, 232 runs and 49 stolen bases.
Marlins Ahead Of Rockies Series
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 27: Manager Clayton McCullough #86 of the Miami Marlins looks on during the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images)
The Marlins are coming off another tough season where they went 79-83, which had them as the third-place team in the National League East.
They missed the MLB playoffs for the second straight season.
Following the Rockies, the Marlins will remain in Miami to host the Chicago White Sox with a series that starts on March 30.
Miami Marlins Officially Announce Signing Of 9-Year MLB Player