The Miami Marlins made an interesting depth move by signing veteran corner infielder Chris Johnson to a deal, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Johnson, 31, had a rough 2015 season between the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians. He hit just .235/.272/.320 in 162 plate appearances with the Braves before he was shipped off to Cleveland in August, where he hit an improved .289/.312/.367 albeit in only 93 plate appearances.
Over his career, Johnson has hit .280/.316/.411 with 58 home runs in 2,731 plate appearances split between the Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, Braves and Indians.
The Marlins haven't been very active in the free agent market with this being only their second signing. Johnson will most likely compete for a bench role alongside players like Ichiro, Cole Gillespie and Derek Dietrich, although he may have the upper hand due to his success against lefties.
With Johnson, the Marlins are getting a good veteran prescience for a fairly young team. He won't necessarily be a great player that will carry a Marlins team that looks to lock up their first playoff berth since 2003.
Defensively he has graded out as well below average at third base with a -45.9 UZR in 5,281 innings at third base and a -62 DRS. At first base he has a DRS of one and a UZR of 1.4.
Johnson is just a few years removed from a season in which he hit a very impressive .321, although that was most likely caused by an inflated and very unsustainable BABIP of .394. But he does have a very high career mark of .357 so another .300 season from him isn't out of the question.
The Marlins will likely use him in a utility role with young first baseman Justin Bour, who has hit just .219/.288/.288 against left handers compared to Johnson's very solid .314/.350/.350 slash line.