Marlins’ Curtis Granderson, 38, wants to keep playing in 2020

Chelsea Howard

Marlins’ Curtis Granderson, 38, wants to keep playing in 2020 image

Marlins outfielder Curtis Granderson wants to play in 2020, but understands it's not going to be a “slam dunk" for a player his age to find a team when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season. 

“A lot of it is going to depend on the 30 ballclubs,” Granderson said (per MLB.com). “The way things have been moving [in free agency] the past couple of years — it has not only affected me, but other free agents — doesn’t make it like it’s going to be a slam dunk like you are going to roll into a job and get something.”

Granderson, who turns 39 in March, came off the bench for the Marlins most of the year, playing in 132 games with a slash line of .186/.286/.355 entering Wednesday's game against the Mets. Last year, he finished with 13 home runs in 343 at-bats with the Blue Jays and Brewers while hitting .242/.351/.431. He ended up signing a minor-league deal with Miami.

Manager Don Mattingly believes there's more to Granderson than his performance on the field as he gave credit to the veteran for his leadership and willingness to guide young players.

“Grandy is awesome. Grandy for president. I’m not kidding,” Mattingly said. “Grandy is a unique dude. He is willing to give these guys advice, help a guy grow up. He is a great example. Grandy is one of the keys for us. He continues to play hard, continues to have good perspective on the season.”

With uncertainty at the end of this season, Granderson said he'd be happy to stay with the Marlins if given the opportunity.

“As I talked to the media after signing, that’s the one thing I made crystal clear [about the Marlins]: I like how everything is moving with the organization — the players they have, the talent, the front office, the coaching staff. All of those things.”

Granderson, a three-time All-Star with 343 career home runs, has also played with the Tigers, Mets and Dodgers over his 16-year career. 

Chelsea Howard