BURNING QUESTIONS
How do they get more competitive in the NL East?
Step 1: pitching. The Marlins were the only National League team with more than 100 losses, yet their pitching staff was only slightly below average with a collective ERA of 4.74. With all five members of their projected starting rotation age 28 or younger, there’s at least some optimism that their continued development could hasten the Marlins’ push in a highly competitive division.
Sandy Alcantara, 24, has the tools to be a staff ace. With a fastball that averages over 95 mph, he logged 1971⁄3 innings last season and was particularly effective in his six September starts, compiling a 2.59 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.
Is more young talent on the way?
Most definitely. The organization’s top minor leaguer, shortstop Jazz Chisholm, arrived at last season’s trade deadline in a rare one-for-one prospect swap with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Chisholm, 21, hit 21 homers and stole 16 bases in the Class AA Southern League. He could eventually be a franchise cornerstone, but after striking out in over 32% of his plate appearances last season, he’ll need to prove he can make more consistent contact.
Top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez (acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade last winter for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto) was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and could form a formidable 1-2 punch with Alcantara when he arrives in the majors. The debuts of right-hander Edward Cabrera and outfielders JJ Bleday and Monte Harrison may not be too far away, either.