MIAMI MARLINS (79-82), 3RD, NL EAST
uSeason snapshot: Unfortunately, 2016 will be most remembered by the Marlins as the season that ended with the tragedy of Jose Fernandez’s death in a boating accident. Besides being the young ace who represented hope, Fernandez was popular with his teammates and Marlins fans. His 16 wins did much to keep the Marlins in the National League wild-card race until the final weeks of the season, although they eventually fell short because of their lack of depth. They got an unexpectedly good season from 42-year-old but an uneven season from star outfielder
who was hitting under .200 through the middle of June. The Marlins did seem to respond to new manager but couldn’t overcome their challenges, which included Stanton’s bad start and second baseman
80-game drug suspension. First-year hitting coach Barry Bonds was one of three coaches fired Monday, according to multiple reports.
uWhat now: Until the Sept. 26 accident that claimed Fernandez’s life, the Marlins would have looked at the season as a nice step toward a better future. Beyond the emotional loss, they’ll now be without the type of true No. 1 starter teams try to build around. Without Fernandez, winning becomes more challenging now and in the future.
uFree agent focus: The Marlins solved one free agent problem early by signing third baseman to a new contract. Given Prado’s strong presence in the Marlins’ clubhouse, keeping him should help a team in need of stability. Starting pitcher acquired at midseason from the San Diego Padres, is a tougher question. Cashner didn’t pitch well with the Marlins and complained about the team’s policy on facial hair, but the Marlins will need to find starting pitching somewhere this winter.
uProspects to watch: The farm system doesn’t figure to offer much immediate help. The best Marlins prospects are young, including 2016 first-round draft pick
ranked by MLB.com as the best prospect in the system. Among the more advanced young Marlins, third baseman and right-hander
might have the best chance of helping in 2017. Castillo is the pitcher originally traded to the Padres but returned to the Marlins when Miami discovered that Colin Rea, acquired in the deal, was damaged goods. Rea was sent back to San Diego after making one start for Miami.
Danny Knobler