As we approach Opening Day (just 4 more days people!), we are previewing our fellow NL East rivals. We begin with the Miami Marlins.

Last Year’s Record: 67-95 (4th in NL East)

Outside of the top 3 contenders in Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia, Miami has very quietly put together a pretty intriguing roster. On the pitching side, they’ve got some fantastic young starting pitchers, including Sixto Sanchez (who has struggled with injuries) and Max Meyer (big name prospect who will start season in AAA). They’ve made some impact additions as well, adding some powerful bats to deepen their lineup. Their bullpen looks a little weak, as it has in recent years. Perhaps some of those impact prospects can come in and stabilize that bullpen, but that group is clearly the weak spot for this young Marlins team.

Impact Departures

The Marlins lost very little in terms of impact during the offseason. Jorge Alfaro became expendable after they acquired Jacob Stallings from Pittsburgh, and they finally cut ties with Lewis Brinson after a very disappointing few years. With Monte Harrison and Isan Diaz DFA’d (they both accepted assignment to the minors so they’re still in the organization) and Jordan Yamamoto already departed, it’s safe to say that the Christian Yelich trade with Milwaukee was a massive failure. All four prospects, including Lewis Brinson, have been colossal busts. Perhaps the biggest impact departure for the Marlins was Derek Jeter resigning as Team President after rumors that ownership refused to go after Nick Castellanos in free agency.

C Jorge Alfaro (trade w/ SD)

C Sandy Leon (FA)

OF Lewis Brinson (FA)

OF Mageneuris Sierra (FA)

Impact Additions

With all the moves being made in the National League East, the Marlins acquisitions have gone somewhat under-the-radar. Before the lockout, they traded for Joey Wendle and Jacob Stallings. Wendle will give them depth off their bench considering he can play a variety of positions for them. They added two big bats in 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler and underrated outfielder Avisail Garcia.  And they added Tanner Scott and Cole Sulser in a recent trade with Baltimore in hopes of bolstering their weak bullpen. Both are expected to make the Opening Day roster for the Marlins.

RP  Tanner Scott (trade w/ Bal)

RP Cole Sulser (trade w/ Bal)

OF Jorge Soler (FA)

OF Avisail Garcia (FA)

IF Joey Wendle (trade w/ TB)

C Jacob Stallings (trade w/ Pit)

Projected Lineup

This is the best Marlins lineup since 2017 when they had Realmuto, Stanton, Yelich, and Ozuna. Brian Anderson, Jesus Aguilar, and Miguel Rojas get moved down in their lineup, while Jazz Chisholm will likely get the nod at the leadoff spot. Joey Wendle will be the 10th man, and could spell either corner outfield spot as well as first, second, or third base for the Marlins. Former Phillie Roman Quinn is expected to make the team as the fourth outfielder.

1. 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L)
2. LF Jorge Soler (R)
3. DH Garrett Cooper (R)
4. RF Avisail Garcia (R)
5. CF Jesus Sanchez (L)
6. 1B Jesus Aguilar (R)
7. 3B Brian Anderson (R)
8.  C Jacob Stallings (R)
9. SS Miguel Rojas (R)

Projected Rotation

The Marlins strength lies in their young rotation. All five starters are under the age of 26, and these 5 don’t even include top prospects Eury Perez, Sixto Sanchez, Max Meyer, or Edward Cabrera. The Marlins signed Alcantara to an extension in the offseason and is expected to have a big year for Miami. Pablo Lopez and Trevor Rogers will look to build off their impressive rookie years, while Elieser Hernandez is a solid number 4. The big question mark for me if former Nats and A’s prospect Jesus Luzardo. Last year he made 12 starts for the Marlins after being acquired from Oakland, where he went 4-5 with a 6.44 ERA. He showed good swing and miss stuff (9.1 k/9), but struggled with walks (5.0 bb/9). If the Marlins can get him figured out, he could be in line for a breakout season. If he continues to struggle, expect him to be replaced by Sanchez, Cabrera, or Meyer fairly quickly.

1. Sandy Alcantara (R)
2. Pablo Lopez (R)
3. Trevor Rogers (L)
4. Elieser Hernandez (R)
5. Jesus Luzardo (L)

Bullpen

As discussed previously, the Marlins weakness lies with their bullpen. Anthony Bass, Richard Bleier, and Anthony Bender return and the closer position should come from one of those three, most likely Anthony Bass. Cole Sulser and Tanner Scott come over from Baltimore, while Zach Pop should also get a long look as an impact reliever for Miami. I expect to see a rotating door of relievers coming in and out of Miami throughout the year. A good lineup and rotation will likely see a lot of blown leads with this bullpen as it stands.

Anthony Bass (R)

Richard Bleier (L)

Cole Sulser (R)

Tanner Scott (L)

Anthony Bender (R)

Zach Pop(R)

Impact Prospects

According to Baseball America, the Marlins have the 20^th best farm system in the majors with five prospects in the Top 100. After having a Top 10 System in 2020 and 2021, the Marlins have regressed a bit in the organizational rankings. Listed below are the five prospects in the Top 100, but doesn’t include former top prospect JJ Bleday or outfielder Peyton Burdick.

RHP Eury Perez (48)

SS Kahlil Watson (60)

RHP Sixto Sanchez (64)

RHP Edward Cabrera (69)

RHP Max Meyer (74)

Some Half Street High Heat writers give their answers on certain Marlins topics below, including most intriguing storyline and which Marlins player they’d most like to add to the Nationals.

Best Marlins Pitcher

Tyler: Sandy Alcantara

Matt: Sandy Alcantara

Monty: Trevor Rogers

Nick: Sandy Alcantara

Best Marlins Player

Tyler: Jorge Soler

Matt: Avisail Garcia

Monty: Jorge Soler

Nick: Jesus Aguilar

Favorite Marlins Pitcher/Player

Tyler: Jazz Chisholm

Matt: Jazz Chisholm

Monty: Jazz Chisholm

Nick: Jazz Chisholm

Most Hated Marlins Player

Tyler: Miguel Rojas

Matt: “Miguel Rojas because .300+ career hitter against the Nats”

Monty: Miguel Rojas

Nick: Miguel Rojas

One Marlins Player to Add to the Nats

Tyler: Sandy Alcantara

Matt: Pablo Lopez

Monty: Trevor Rogers

Nick: Sandy Alcantara

Most Intriguing Marlins Storyline

Tyler: “Do they have enough to contend for a wild card spot?

Matt: “Will the Marlins dominant top three in the rotation (Alcantara, Lopez, Rogers) be able to carry this team into becoming a playoff contender?

Monty: “Will the Marlins have enough depth in their lineup and bullpen to stay competitive with their powerful rotation?”

Nick: “The entire starting staff is 26 years old or younger. Will they hold up over the course of a full season?”