The Miami Marlins might lose starting pitcher Andrew Cashner in free agency and it has nothing to with baseball.
Cashner spoke with Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald and admitted he “hates” the Marlins facial hair policy. Cashner was acquired from the San Diego Padres in late July for a package which included top prospect Josh Naylor and the hard-throwing right-hander Carter Capps. Cashner was forced to shave his huge beard with the Marlins. He surprisingly said “not being able to keep his beard is a big deal to me in free agency.”
Marlins manager Don Mattingly told Jackson the policy was in place because “It’s just who we want to be as an organization. It’s nothing like it makes us better or makes us more disciplined.” That mindset might cost the Marlins Cashner when he hits free agency.
While the beard drama may force the Marlins out of Cashner sweepstakes, the chances the organization was going to re-sign Cashner were slim anyways. He’s struggled in seven starts (eight appearances) with Miami, posting a 1-4 record, a 4.78 ERA, and a 1.619 WHIP. He’s not exactly a pitcher the Marlins would consider changing the policy over.
Still, having a facial hair policy in this day and age is silly. Not allowing players to grow funky beards and express themselves not only takes away some fun but could also prevent teams from landing free agents in the future. Don’t count on Cashner re-signing unless something drastic changes.
