Banking on youth and acquisitions
Five issues facing the Marlins:
Offense:
In a high-power environment that saw a record number of home runs hit last season, the Marlins are a statistical outlier. They averaged a mere 3.8 runs per game, second lowest in the majors. However, the outfield fences will be moved 12 feet closer to home plate in both center and right field – putting the distances “more in line with the field dimensions you see across many of today’s ballparks,” according to CEO Derek Jeter.
More important, the Marlins lured James Rowson away from the Minnesota Twins to serve as bench coach and offensive coordinator.
Under Rowson’s direction, the Twins set a major league record last season with 307 home runs, more than twice as many as the Marlins hit.
for speed … and power:
The Marlins moved quickly to address a pair of infield vacancies this offseason, trading for speedster Jonathan Villar and adding first baseman Jesus Aguilar off waivers. Villar, who scored 111 runs and stole 40 bases for the Baltimore Orioles, should slot into the leadoff spot and play third base. Aguilar, an All-Star for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018, could be the Marlins’ top home run threat.
Pitching:
The Marlins’ pitching staff was only slightly below average with a collective ERA of 4.74. With all five members of their projected starting rotation 28 or younger, there’s at least some optimism that their continued development could hasten the Marlins’ push for respectability in the highly competitive NL East.
With a fastball that averages over 95 mph, Sandy Alcantara, 24, has the tools to be a staff ace. He was particularly effective in his six September starts, compiling a 2.59 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and could give the Marlins a formidable 1-2 punch after he arrives in the majors.
The Marshould lins received four players from the Milwaukee Brewers two years ago in exchange for future NL MVP Christian Yelich. All four could play important roles in Miami this season. The expected headliner, outfielder Lewis Brinson, has been a major disappointment. He has yet to show the power/speed combination that made him a prized minor league prospect.
Isan Diaz is expected to start at second base but needs to prove he’s an everyday player. Right-hander Jordan Yamamoto made 15 starts as a rookie and
The Marlins have already addressed a couple needs this offseason by acquiring Jonathan Villar and Jesus Aguilar. Despite adding Yimi Garcia and Rule 5 pickup Sterling Sharp to the bullpen, they still need someone who can close. The top remaining offseason priority is finding an everyday left fielder. 57-105
Fifth place, NL East; missed playoffs
have a spot in the starting rotation. Outfield prospect Monte Harrison was ticketed for the Futures Game until he suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. He stole 20 bases in 56 games at
Ryne Stanek is the leading candidate, but he blew four of five save chances after the Marlins acquired him last season. Most likely, the 2020 closer isn’t on the current roster.