The Marlins have expressed interested in acquiring outfielder Carlos Gomez from the Houston Astros before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline, MLB.com reported Monday.
Gomez was designated for assignment last week after struggling to find his footing with the Astros since coming over from the Brewers last year. Gomez has hit just .221/.277/.342 in 323 plate appearances in an Astros uniform.
MORE: A-Rod would be excellent fit for Marlins, if he wants to play
If the Marlins, with slugger Giancarlo Stanton out for the season and Alex Rodriguez reportedly not an option, want to pursue Gomez, they will have to fend off the Mets and Cardinals. All three contenders are in need of a right-handed bat in the outfield.
Gomez would likely platoon with Ichiro Suzuki for the Marlins' final outfield spot should they acquire him. Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich would remain everyday starters.
Despite being designated for assignment, teams interested in Gomez still need to acquire him via trade. But if a trade is blocked, the Astros could be forced to place Gomez back on waivers and release him.
Gomez does not fall under the 10-and-5 rule — if a player has 10 years of major league service, the past five with his current team, he cannot be traded without his consent — because he has nine years of experience and he has not been with the Astros for five seasons.