Dee Strange-Gordon joined South Beach following a major seven-player trade with the Dodgers in late 2014, arriving as an All-Star known for game-changing speed. Although the Marlins seldom acquire big-name stars, they signed a top leadoff hitter who instantly upgraded their top order. Over three seasons with Miami, he was a frequent base stealer and a defensive star, recording one of the franchise’s most outstanding individual seasons before his departure, which was somewhat complicated.
In 2015, Strange-Gordon had the season of his life, becoming the first player since Jackie Robinson in 1949 to win a National League Batting Title (.333) and lead the league in stolen bases (58) in the same year. He also topped the majors with 205 hits, earning his second All-Star nod alongside both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.
His Florida residency took a dark turn in 2016 when he received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This coincided with a major contract extension, casting a shadow over his achievements and causing him to miss nearly half the season. Despite this, he demonstrated resilience upon returning, playing 79 games and stealing 30 bases. Though the suspension affected the team's momentum, he remained a clubhouse mainstay, working to regain trust.
Strange-Gordon wrapped up his Miami tenure with an impressive redemption season in 2017. He appeared in 158 games, once again driving the lineup with energy, amassing 201 hits, and leading the league with 60 stolen bases. He hit .308, scored 114 runs, and often acted as the catalyst for Giancarlo Stanton’s notable MVP campaign. Although he achieved personal success, the Marlins began rebuilding under new ownership and traded him to the Seattle Mariners in December 2017.
As a Marlin, Strange-Gordon had a .309 batting average, 148 stolen bases, and 493 hits.
Comments powered by CComment