The 34-year old may not want to pitch in Miami, and the Marlins may use that to their advantage.
When they acquired Dan Haren from the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Marlins knew that he had threatened to retire if he was not going to be pitching on the West Coast in 2015. The Marlins invited Haren to Marlins Park for an introductory press conference last Friday, however Haren opted not to attend. Miami has reportedly considered trading Haren, and according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, a deal that would send Haren to San Diego for an outfielder in possible.
Great point by @rob_baseballfan: If Dan Haren would pitch for Padres, could be trade match for Marlins to send him there for an outfielder.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 22, 2014Morosi was speculating, however CBS Sports' Jon Heyman similarly noted such a deal could make sense since Haren wants to pitch for either the Padres or Angels next season.
Miami had one of baseball's best outfields in 2014, and with a healthy Giancarlo Stanton should be just as productive next season. The organization only has three outfielders (their starters) on the 40-man roster, but did extend a spring training invitation to Cole Gillespie, who has notable experience. If the Marlins were limited to sending Haren to either San Diego or Los Angeles, the Padres would likely make the most sense. A reunion with Cameron Maybin could be plausible, but the Marlins may pursue Will Venable.
In a fourth outfielder, the Marlins would most likely be seeking a left-handed hitter to complement Marcell Ozuna in center field. A platoon situation would not necessarily be the result, however Ozuna at times appears lost at the plate and might benefit from an occasional off day with a right-handed pitcher on the mound. Venable posted a .224/.288/.325 batting line to complement eight home runs and 33 RBIs in 2014. He signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract heading into last October, and would not be among the more expensive options.
The Marlins have always liked Maybin, however the organization was quick to trade him after he failed to produce consistently. Maybin posted a .235/.290/.331 batting line in 2014, and might not benefit from not receiving regular starting time. Seth Smith is a versatile piece the Marlins can pursue too.
Although they would like to have Haren in the rotation in 2015, the Marlins received his full salary from the Dodgers. The club added Mat Latos and David Phelps this offseason, and using the Dodgers' cash to add a fourth outfielder might prove to be more valuable than having Haren starting.