The Miami Marlins have hired Fredi Gonzalez as their new third base coach, according to a report by FanRag Sports.
Miami and Gonzalez had been linked in recent weeks and have apparently come to terms on a contract. Gonzalez was fired by the Atlanta Braves during the 2016 season after a long run as manager there. Prior to Atlanta, Gonzalez was the manager of the then-Florida Marlins.
Gonzalez's time with the Marlins had an abrupt and relatively ugly ending. Despite leading back-to-back winning seasons, Gonzalez was fired in June of 2010 and replaced by Edwin Rodriguez. Following the divorce, there were some reports of hard feelings between the skipper and team owner Jeffrey Loria.
Evidently, time has healed those wounds for Gonzalez and Loria and a new chapter appears set to begin. Gonzalez would be taking over for Lenny Harris, who was not retained on the coaching staff. The 52-year old has a long extensive history and brings plenty of leadership to manager Don Mattingly's staff.
Gonzalez's time with the Marlins organization goes back to before the team's inaugural season. The coach instructed prospects in 1992 and then moved up the ranks as a coach and manager. Gonzalez would serve as 3B coach for the Marlins in 1999 and 2000 as well.
The Marlins still have some decisions to make on the coaching staff after letting a few men go. Miami also has several roster changes it could make as the off-season continues.
