The 2022 baseball season is upon us, which means all baseball fans have broken out their rose-colored glasses. Several players are capable of having career years, some rookies will have a breakout season, no key players will get injured and with a few lucky breaks we will compete for a playoff spot! Maybe. It sounds easy. Anything is possible.
But what is possible for the 2022 version of the Miami Marlins? For now, I’m going to be bullish on their chances as they will have one of the best rotations in baseball, if … if… did I mention IF they can stay healthy.
Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez and Trevor Rogers are amongst the top 75 starters in all of baseball. And Elieser Hernandez and Jesus Luzardo have a lot of potential. Overall it is a young & talented staff that could be elite and allow the Marlins to be competitive on most nights. If they can stay healthy, which was a major issue in 2021.
Offense, though, has been the Marlins biggest issue in recent seasons. While I still think they will be a bit challenged with the bats this season, Miami management did go out and spend some money to sign a couple of right-handed sluggers.
Avisail Garcia hit 29 home runs last season while Jorge Soler slugged 27 long balls after hitting 48 in 2019. These two boppers will beef up the offense, but I think the real improvement with the offense could come from a couple of 24-year-old players in their 2nd season.
2nd baseman Jazz Chisholm has the talent to be a super star. Last year he hit 18 HRs and stole 23 bases. During spring training he has been talking of having a 40-40 season. That’s a high bar, but he’s capable of it.
The other youngster with upside is centerfielder Jesus Sanchez who hit .251 with 14 HRs in just 64 games last season. The 6’3” 222 pounder could be poised for a good season.
The Marlins also made a couple of solid under the radar moves in picking up catcher Jacob Stallings plus Joey Wendle who can play 2b, 3b & SS. Both will help make the lineup a little stronger.
How many games will the Fish win in 2022? Time will tell, but I think you will see a significant upgrade over their 67 wins in 2021. The offense should definitely be better and if the rotation can stay healthy, they will have a chance to compete for a playoff spot.
The NL East is a tough division, though, which includes the defending World Series champs the Atlanta Braves. Even, though they lost first baseman Freddie Freeman to free agency, they traded for an equal talent in Matt Olson. They will also be getting back outfielders Ronald Acuna and Marcell Ozuna who missed a good chunk of the 2021 season. They also have an elite rotation and added closer Kenley Jansen. If that isn’t enough, they also possess All-Star caliber players in 2b Ozzie Albies and 3b Austin Riley.
The New York Mets should also be contenders as they added pitcher Max Scherzer and outfielder Starling Marte to go with slugger Pete Alonso and shortstop Francisco Lindor. The key to the Mets success though will be the health of pitcher Jacob deGrom. He’s the best pitcher in baseball but will be starting the season on the injured list with a shoulder issue.
The Philadelphia Phillies will also be more than competitive as their roster is littered with All-Star caliber players. Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola head the rotation while the lineup features 2021 MVP Bryce Harper, 1b Rhys Hoskins, catcher J.T. Realmuto and outfielders Kyle Schwarber & Nick Castellanos.
The Washington Nationals could be amongst the worst teams in baseball despite having arguably the best player in all of MLB in outfielder Juan Soto who hit 29 HRs last year to go along with a .465 on base % driven by his league leading 145 walks.
Having to play 57 games vs. the Braves, Mets & Phillies will present a challenge for the Marlins this season, but they could be up for the task. Put on those rose-colored glasses Marlins fans!
