#20
The Miami Marlins were the surprise of the 2020 season, fighting through COVID issues to somehow make the playoffs and even win a series. Was that a crazy 60 game anomaly, or are the Marlins ready to be a perennial contender?
#22 - 5th in NL East
MIH - Brian Anderson
MIP - Sandy Alcantara
PTW - Jesus Sanchez
FP - The Marlins will win a World Series in the next 5 years.
2020 Results
#14 - 31-29, 2nd in NL East, lost in NLDS
As you can tell by my Fearless Prediction from last year, I could see some Miami Marlins success coming soon, but no one saw it coming this soon. The Marlins also dealt with most COVID issues of any club in the league, yet through all that they made made a postseason run thanks to the expanded playoff setup last year that allowed all 2nd place finishers a spot in the tournament. There has never been a more deserving Manager of the Year award handed out than Don Mattingly in 2020.
Additions / Subtractions
The Marlins roster looks practically the same in 2021 as it did at the end of 2020. There was some turnover in the bullpen as there is with every club. Jose Urena, their Opening Day starter in 2018, was allowed to walk. They also brought in Adam Duvall to man a corner outfield spot. Other than that, the roster looks roughly the same. The biggest news the Marlins made over the offseason was the hiring of their new GM, Kim Ng. She is the first woman to hold that role in MLB so there will definitely be a spotlight on her and the decisions around this roster this season.
Most Important Hitter
Starling Marte
In 2020, the Marlins actually found themselves as buyers at the Trade Deadline and made an incredibly savvy move by acquiring Starling Marte from the Diamondbacks. Instantly, his presence in the lineup made it feel more legitimate. It wasn't just a group of kids anymore. Moving into 2021, Marte will serve that same role of being a quality veteran presence in the heart of the lineup and also provide the leadership needed for the upcoming young core.
Most Important Pitcher
Sixto Sanchez
It's rare that a player that still has his rookie status is the most important player on a club, but that is the case for Sixto Sanchez. A highly regarded prospect and the centerpiece of the J.T. Realmuto trade to the Phillies, Sanchez made his debut in late August and in only 7 stars, he worked his way up to being 3rd on the team in WAR and was the #2 starter during the Marlins' playoff run behind ace Sandy Alcantara. Now the Marlins need Sanchez to make the jump from phenom to established dominant ace at the top of their rotation. It's a lot to ask for a kid only entering his age 22 season, but he has the stuff to do it.
Prospect to Watch
Jazz Chisholm
The Marlins currently have 5 players (including Sixto Sanchez) in MLB's Top 100 Prospects list. Although Sixto is still technically a prospect, the most exciting rookie to watch this season for the Marlins might be Jazz Chisholm. Ranked the 66th best prospect in baseball, Jazz played in 21 games for the Marlins last season with marginal success. Now he is slated to be their starting 2nd baseman on Opening Day. He has all the tools to be a star with the personality (and the name) to go along with it. He will be a fun watch for this young and exciting team moving forward.
2021 Prediction
5th in NL East
I know the Marlins finished 2nd last year. I know they are a team on the rise. I know everything is moving in the right direction for this franchise that has often struggled to do that. The problem is this is, in 2021, the most competitive division I can remember. In this division, you have four other teams that have built super rosters and are fully committed to winning right now. In a full 162 game season, I don't see the Marlins overtaking any of the other four.
Fearless Prediction
2021 will be the last time the Miami Marlins finish in the cellar of the NL East for the next decade.
Like I said, the Marlins are moving in the right direction and are very close to breaking out into an elite team. 2021 is not the time, but in the next few years they will be hitting their peak. Behind Kim Ng and CEO Derek Jeter, look for the Marlins to have sustainable success moving forward. Who would've thought this was possible after they traded away Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, and J.T. Realmuto just a few short years ago.
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