After a lost year, minor leagues are back, vital to Marlins’ ambitions

Derek Jeter reflected on the year that was — and, for many of the players in the Marlins’ organization, the year that wasn’t.

Major League Baseball held a season during the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit one that was shortened to 60 games, played in a regional format and had its bumps along on the road.

Minor League Baseball wasn’t as fortunate. Its season was canceled on June 30, right as MLB teams were about to start reporting for their second round of camp following a 3 1⁄2-month layoff due to the pandemic.

Thousands of players were left without a season to play, a year of development and progress at risk.

That long lost year has finally ended. Minor League Baseball is back.

Courtesy of Pensacola Blue Wahoos BY JORDAN MCPHERSON Marlins outfielder prospect Peyton Burdick is part of a talented group of prospects starting the season with the Double A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. The minor-league baseball season returns after the 2020 season was canceled. That’s important for a Marlins farm system ranked among the best in MLB.