Offishial news, 12/4/23: Jim Leyland to Cooperstown; Gabe Cap-ler to Miami

Marlins Podcast Episodes

• The Baseball Hall of Fame's Contemporary Baseball Era Committee elected Jim Leyland to Cooperstown on Sunday. In addition to the Marlins, Leyland managed the Pirates, Rockies and Tigers as well as Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He'll be formally inducted next summer as part of the HOF's Class of 2024.

• Gabe Kapler cleverly confirmed his hiring as assistant general manager by recording a video of himself buying a Marlins hat from a Champs Sports store.

• Elsewhere around baseball, the Braves and Mariners made a five-player trade involving Jarred Kelenic. Once regarded as one of baseball's elite prospects, Kelenic is still only 24 years old, though he's been only slightly better than a replacement-level player through his first 252 MLB games. The Kelenic acquisition closes the door on Eddie Rosario returning to Atlanta. In case you missed it, Kevin Barral wrote about Rosario as a possible free agent target for Miami. Korean center fielder Jung Hoo Lee is being posted by the Kiwoom Heroes today. I wouldn't be shocked if the Marlins have some involvement in the Lee sweepstakes.

• Nick Pollack of Pitcher List breaks down the Marlins' 2024 starting rotation options.

• In talking to a number of front office executives and evaluators about potential Rule 5 Draft selections, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports that unprotected Marlins prospects Troy Johnston, Nasim Nuñez and Will Banfield are generating interest. I said it last month and I'll reiterate it here: if the Marlins lose Johnston, it will be an inexcusable and completely unforced error.

• Fish On First has partnered with the Marlins Discord server. You can join the server for free to participate in around-the-clock Fish talk. There is also a private channel reserved for our valued Super Subscribers.

• The Marlins teased that they'll be posting a special video of some kind to their social media accounts today. It's probably not related to this, but the team is now seeking 2024 interns in the group sales & services, information technology and human resources departments.

• We have boots on the ground at the MLB Winter Meetings! Be sure to follow Isaac Azout if you don't already.

Graphic courtesy of Miami Marlins