The Marlins have played to a 38-42 record since changing their name and logo, moving to a new stadium and spending aggressively on free agents this past offseason, but it's not going to stop them from seeking midseason reinforcements before this year's trade deadline. According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney they've agreed to acquire Carlos Lee from the Astros for Matt Dominguez and Rob Rasmussen in a move that should provide Miami with some much-needed offense at first base (Twitter link).
Lee, 36, is earning $18.5MM in the final season of a six-year, $100MM contract. The Astros will absorb a"huge portion" of the $9MM remaining on his salary, Olney reported today. Though Lee didn't enjoy no-trade protection in the form of ten and five rights, his contract allows him to block trades to 14 clubs.
Lee has five homers and a .286/.336/.412 batting line in 274 plate appearances so far in 2012. He has slowed down in recent years, but his bat will still represent an upgrade over Gaby Sanchez's .194/.240/.283 batting line.