Soon-to-be free agent outfielder Juan Pierre would like to continue playing but knows he may not get a strong offer from a team, reports MLB.com.
Juan Pierre wants to keep playing
Pierre knows the Marlins may not have room for him, but would like to continue his career a little longer.
Jonathan Ernst
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Pierre spent 2013 with the Marlins, with whom he also spent some of the best seasons of his career from 2003-05. The speedy outfielder was still quick enough to steal 23 bases over 113 games while posting a 589 OPS. He isn’t sure that the Marlins will look for him to return for another season as they look to foster a young outfield.
“I’m fine. I understand the situation,” Pierre said. “I still love to play, that’s no secret. I still work out like I’m going to be out there every day. I hope to get a chance to get a job for next year.
“If not, and this is the last hurrah, I can’t complain one bit. I can honestly say I never thought I’d play over 13 years in the big leagues. I’m grateful for every opportunity. Physically and mentally, I still feel like I can play at this level.”
The Marlins have a glut of outfielders and likely do not have room for Pierre to return. Giancarlos Stanton is a lock to stay in the lineup barring a trade, and Christian Yelich, Jake Marisnick, Marcell Ozuno and Justin Ruggiano are all likely to be on the roster as well.
Pierre, 36, has played 14 seasons with six organizations. He has stolen 614 bases over that time while hitting for a career .295/.343/.361 batting line.
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