Peter Bendix talks Winter Meetings Day 1

NASHVILLE–The 2023 MLB Winter Meetings commenced Monday morning at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Team executives, managers, scouts, and players roamed the lobby and conference rooms, hoping to sign deals or make additive moves to their respective teams. At the end of Day 1, Marlins President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix took questions from the media regarding the state of the club. 

With Monday marking the first time that most of the front office was together again, Bendix was very intent on getting to know everyone. “I look at it as a team bonding event. That was true in my previous job, and it’s even more true now considering that I haven’t spent very much time with these people. So, getting everyone in one place at one time to talk about the small things was a lot of fun.”

The Marlins hired Bendix on November 6 after 15 seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays front office. Aside from a minor trade and a few claims off waivers, it has been an inactive offseason thus far.

“I think it feels like the market is moving a little more slowly than usual,” said Bendix. “We need to stay prepared for when it starts to speed up, so that’s really just getting as much information from other teams, from agents, so that we can be prepared to move.”

When asked if he anticipates most of their future moves coming via free agency or trades, Bendix smiled and said, “Both. We just have to be prepared for whatever opportunities come and be opportunistic.”

Nick Fortes is currently the only catcher on Miami’s 40-man, and he had his struggles in 2023.

“We need a catcher, for sure," Bendix admitted. "I don’t think you’re allowed to play with just one. I’d like to increase the number of options that we have to play shortstop. I think we have a few people on the roster who are pretty good options, but nobody who’s the clear ‘everyday shortstop.’”

In addition, Bendix declined to comment on potential extensions with his players. “Those conversations are going to stay internal, but when you have young players who are really good, those are going to be natural things for us to think about.”

Luis Arraez, Jesús Luzardo, and Eury Pérez are potential candidates for an extension.

Never enough pitching!

With ace Sandy Alcantara sidelined for the 2024 campaign, Bendix was adamant about adding arms. “You always need more pitchers. No matter how much pitching you have, you always need more.”

Miami does have some internal reinforcements coming, as Bendix shared that right-handers Max Meyer and Anthony Bender and lefty Trevor Rogers are all expected to be ready to go by the start of Spring Training.

Continue to follow along at Fish on First throughout the Winter Meetings as more coverage will come through Wednesday.

Photo by Kyle Schwab-USA TODAY Sports