Miami Marlins Logo.
Miami Marlins:
Hope in the Rebuild
By: Michael A. Chase Jr.
9/23/2019
Being a Washington Nationals supporter, I see the Miami Marlins 16 times a season. Observing a franchise in the process of an extended rebuild. Miami over the past few seasons has done a good job acquiring talent and forming the beginnings of a promising core. Developing young talent that is now in the process of either getting to or learning at the MLB level. This piece will look to highlight players that that could be a part of the Marlins future. While looking at some young prospects that are on their way to the MLB to make an impact.
Through trades, signings, and development Miami’s begun to foster a group of young players that could form the core of a winning club.
These players have made a great impact at the MLB level this 2019 season for the Marlins:
§ Shortstop Miguel Rojas – 30 years old
§ Outfielder/First Baseman Garrett Cooper – 28 years old
§ Outfielder Harold Ramirez – 25 years old
§ Catcher Jorge Alfaro – 26 years old
§ Starting Pitcher Caleb Smith – 28 years old
§ Starting Pitcher Sandy Alcantara – 24 years old
§ Reliever Jarlin Garcia – 26 years old
§ Infielder Starlin Castro – 29 years old
This group of players has produced solid numbers for this Miami team. While not all of them may be apart of the future of the club, they have certainly put their names in the discussion.
Photo of Shortstop Miguel Rojas.
Infielders Starlin Castro and Miguel Rojas have combined to form a highly productive offensive duo. With Castro posting 21 homers and 83 rbi’s, and Rojas hitting .283 with 45 rbi’s. These numbers have put Castro in consideration of resigning with Miami this offseason, while Rojas has settled in as the Marlins everyday shortstop and earned a new 2-year contract extension.
Photo of Harold Ramirez.
In the outfield Harold Ramirez and Garrett Cooper have been major surprises for Miami. Ramirez has been a revelation for the Marlins coming up from the minors as a lesser publicized prospect. He has put up a line of a .271 average, with 10 homers and 47 rbi’s in 383 plate appearances. Going from unheralded prospect to surprise everyday contributor in the big leagues. Outfielder/First Baseman Garrett Cooper has shown to be a capable run producer for Miami. Putting up a .281 average, with 15 homers and 50 rbi’s in 107 games. Both have taken advantage of their opportunity with the Marlins and produced more than most could have anticipated.
Catcher Jorge Alfaro has come into his own as a solid everyday catcher thanks to a chance at playing time with Miami. After being acquired in the trade that sent All-star Catcher J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies Alfaro has settled in well. On the year he has hit .261, with 15 homers and 49 rbi’s, while growing his game behind the plate defensively. Alfaro has now entrenched himself as a starting catcher and should be behind the plate for Miami for a while.
Photo of Pitcher Sandy Alcantara.
The pitching staff’s overall numbers aren’t extraordinary, but they have shown flashes of their talents. From lefty Caleb Smith’s 10 quality starts, to Alcantara’s maturation and 2 complete game shutouts, and even Jarlin Garcia’s strong 2.83 ERA. These three arms have continued to learn and develop this season despite tough win/loss records. With Smith and Alcantara showing the possibility of being top of the rotation arms and Garcia a reliable late inning reliever.
Miami’s rebuild still needs further young prospects to come up through their system and becomes stars at the MLB level. A few of these players have gotten some big-league time this year, while other impact youngsters are on their way.
These promising young players include:
§ Second Baseman Isan Diaz – 23 years old
§ Starting Pitcher Jordan Yamamoto – 23 years old
§ Starting Pitcher Robert Dugger – 24 years old
§ Third Baseman Brian Anderson – 26 years old
§ Outfielder Jesus Sanchez – 21 years old
§ Shortstop Jazz Chisholm – 21 years old
§ Starting Pitcher Sixto Sanchez – 21 years old
§ Outfielder Monte Harrison – 24 years old
§ First Baseman Lewin Diaz – 22 years old
This group of youngsters is the wave of talent Miami hopes will steer the organization back on a winning track. Players with various skillsets that have and will continue to make their way to the MLB and begin to turn the Marlins around.
Photo of pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez.
In Sanchez, Yamamoto, and Dugger the Marlins have three young arms with big league potential. Yamamoto and Dugger have gotten big league experience this year with the two combining 6 quality starts in 19 total starts between the two. Both showing flashes through there short time in the MLB this season. Sanchez in ranked Miami’s top prospect currently and is pitching extremely well at Double-A with a 2.53 ERA. Making for some young arms for fans to enjoy watching develop going forward.
Photo of second base prospect Isan Diaz.
Infielders Isan Diaz, Jazz Chisholm, Brian Anderson, and Lewin Diaz these youngsters could form the infield of the future for the Marlins. Isan Diaz has reached the big leagues this season. Hitting just .175 in 143 at-bats, 10 of his 25 hits have been for extra bases showcasing the power he provides from the middle infield. His defense needs work, but this will come with further playing time. Chisholm and Lewin Diaz are both currently at Triple-A displaying their skills. Chisholm is a power hitting shortstop prospect that has hit 21 homers this season. While showing the ability to handle the shortstop position defensively. Diaz is a young first baseman whose offense is a work in progress, but defensive is top notch. With more seasoning he will grow his hitting skills and become an all-around stud at first base. Anderson was having a breakout year in his second full big-league season. Hitting .261 with 20 homers and 66 rbi’s before a hand fracture ended his season in early September. All these players showing the infield has a few potential stars to build with.
Photo of outfield prospect Jesus Sanchez.