The Florida Marlins, the surprise leaders of the National League East, aren’t standing pat. Securing additional bench help, the Marlins have reached agreement with free-agent outfielder Jacque Jones, according to major-league sources.
Jones, 33, will take a physical Monday morning. He initially will report to extended spring training in Florida to get back into playing shape, according to one source, then return to the majors as a fourth outfielder and left-handed hitter off the bench.
The Tigers designated Jones for assignment on May 5 and released him on May 13. He batted .165 with a .244 on-base percentage and .253 slugging percentage in 90 plate appearances for Detroit — numbers well below his career line of .278-.327-.451.
Once Jones is ready to join the Marlins, he likely will take the roster spot of either outfielder Brett Carroll or infielder Robert Andino, adding to a bench that generally includes infielder Wes Helms and outfielder Cody Ross from the right side.
Jones is earning $5 million this season — $2 million from the Cubs and $3 million from the Tigers. The Marlins will pay him a pro-rated portion of the major-league minimum salary — a sum that will amount to less than $300,000.