Miami Marlins Sign Free Agent OF Juan Pierre to Fill Leadoff Void

The Miami Marlins haven't been buyers lately, but that changed in a minor way Saturday evening.

UPDATE: Saturday, November 17 at 10:40 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

According to Sun-Sentinel reporter Juan C.Rodriguez, Pierre's deal is for one year:

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Can confirm #Marlins and Juan Pierre have agreed to a one-year, $1.6M deal. Will ve for playing time in LF.

— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) November 18, 2012"

---End of Update---

According to Sirius 210 XM 87 Fantasy Sports Radio host Craig Mish, the Marlins have signed Juan Pierre:

"

The Marlins have signed Juan Pierre more details coming

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) November 18, 2012"

It doesn't come as a big surprise because Pierre has to be affordable, but it's still odd to see Miami bring a player in right now. After (possibly) pulling a blockbuster trade that sent Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck to Toronto, dumping salary seems like the only goal owner Jeffrey Loria and management have in mind. 

But they do have to field a team, so there's that. Because Emilio Bonifacio is also included in the potential blockbuster deal, the Marlins desperately need a leadoff hitter. Pierre may be 35, but he did hit over .300 last season and stole 37 bases while with the Phillies.

Pierre has never been the best all-around player, but you know what you're getting. He's one of the fastest players in the game, and he's excellent at finding his way on base.

This will be Pierre's second stint with the organization. He played with the Marlins from 2003-05, stealing 40-plus bases in each season. 

Don't expect Pierre to make Miami into a World Series contender, but he's a great role player to have around. He's very good at what he does, and he will play with a team-first mentality. If nothing else, he will get on base for Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison, which should help create more runs for the Marlins offense.