Reports: Marlins close to signing OF Christian Yelich to long-term deal

The Marlins are reportedly close to signing OF Christian Yelich to a seven-year deal.

The Miami Marlins are close to signing outfielder Christian Yelich to a long-term contract, according to multiple reports. 

According to MLB.com, Yelichisclose to signinga seven-year contract worth more than $40 million. TheMiami Herald's Clark Spencerreportsthe deal will be seven years for a total of $50 million, while CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports the deal is worth $49.5 million over seven years. Former Marlins third baseman Mike Lowell was the first to report that the contract would be finalized.

Yelich hit .284 with nine home runs and 54 RBIs in 144 games for the Marlins in 2014, his first full season in the majors. Yelich also won a Gold Glove for his defense in leftfield.  

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The Marlins have been active in retaining the core of their outfield this offseason. Miami signed Giancarlo Stanton to the largest contract in MLB history, a 13-year, $325 million deal, last November. The Marlins have since added Ichiro Suzuki as a fourth outfielder. Frisaro also reported that Miami has also looked into extending centerfielder Marcell Ozuna. 

Miami opens its season on April 6 against the Braves. 

- Rohan Nadkarni