The Miami Marlins have been one of many extra nice surprises in Main League Baseball this season.
Though the Marlins have been anticipated to complete on the backside of the NL East, they managed to stay within the playoff hunt till the ultimate few days of the season. General, their 79-83 report marked a 17-game enchancment over their efficiency in 2024.
The longer term seems shiny in Miami. The Marlins’ younger lineup confirmed its potential and continued to develop all through the season. Likewise, the choice to maintain gamers corresponding to Sandy Alcantara on the commerce deadline units the Marlins up effectively for 2026.
Miami has quietly constructed a crew that would contend for a playoff berth subsequent 12 months. Let’s check out three questions surrounding the Marlins heading into the offseason.
Three questions for the Miami Marlins within the offseason
1. Is Sandy Alcantara again and able to carry out at an All-Star degree?
Alcantara struggled in his first 12 months again following Tommy John surgical procedure. He posted a career-worst 5.36 ERA and a 1.271 WHiP over 174.1 innings, hanging out 142 batters with 57 walks. Nevertheless, Alcantara additionally made 31 begins for the Marlins, giving hope that he can return to being a workhorse in Miami.
There could also be much more cause for optimism. Alcantara had a wonderful second half, posting a 3.33 ERA and a 1.040 WHiP in 83.2 innings after the All-Star Break, hanging out 71 batters with 20 walks. If Alcantara can construct off of his sturdy second half, he could also be again to being the ace the Marlins want.
2. What to do with Agustin Ramirez
Ramirez was one of many extra useful hitters within the Marlins lineup, posting a stable .231/.287/.413 batting line with 21 homers and 33 doubles in 585 plate appearances whereas main main league catchers with 16 steals. The issue is that Ramirez was additionally the Marlins’ worst defensive participant.
The Marlins even have one other catching prospect on the cusp of reaching the majors. Joe Mack, the seventieth finest prospect in baseball per MLB.com, has been lauded for his sturdy arm and stable defensive abilities, whereas additionally demonstrating that he generally is a dependable possibility on the plate. The Marlins have a possible opening at first base the place Eric Wagaman doesn’t have the kind of offensive profile for the place. Nevertheless, Ramirez has simply 27 video games of expertise at first over three years within the minors. If Mack is prepared, Ramirez could discover himself restricted to DH responsibility.
3. Will the Marlins spend on their younger roster?
The Marlins have a complete of 5 gamers who’re both below contract or arbitration-eligible. In concept, this offers the entrance workplace the monetary assets to both pursue extensions with kids corresponding to outfielder Kyle Stowers or pitcher Eury Perez. That monetary flexibility may permit the Marlins to be surprisingly lively throughout free company.
The Marlins want to enhance at each nook infield spots and in proper area if the lineup goes to take a big step ahead. A reliable middle-of-the-rotation starter would assist steadiness out a younger and considerably unstable workers. The Marlins additionally need assistance in the midst of the bullpen to bridge the hole to nearer Ronny Henriquez. Whereas a few of these areas could enhance because the youthful gamers develop, the Marlins might want to buy groceries to take that subsequent step in 2026.
