Raise your hand if you had the Miami Marlins making the playoffs and reaching the NLDS.
I know the numbers are small. The Marlins improbable postseason run came to a screeching halt last week, but the ride along the way proved to be one of the best storylines in MLB this season. Judging by the growth of this organization and the adversity this franchise overcame in a little over two months, there is still more to build on as the 2021 is now the focal point of the front office.
For fans who were screaming for a sign from the baseball gods that team CEO Derek Jeter and president of baseball operations Michael Hill knew what they were doing, it was delivered loud and clear after a 16-year postseason drought.
It’s cool to be a Miami Marlins fan.
As baseball fans prepare for the World Series and what lies ahead, the Marlins cannot take the foot off the peddle in preparing for next season. Instead of a 60-game sprint, the 162-game marathon awaits, and decisions must be made for the benefit of the organization from top to bottom. If you thought this season was tough and the chess pieces were moved at a faster pace, wait to see what happens next.
Can the Marlins front office do the unthinkable and challenge for the National League East title? This is a franchise that has never made the playoffs by reaching the top of their division.
Here are a few things Jeter, Hill and Marlins manager Don Mattingly must decide on once the 2020 season comes to an end and Hot Stove and free agency arrive this winter.
Decide on a Catcher
The decision to start Chad Wallach over Jorge Alfaro was a message that was heard loud and clear. Wallach is a solid defensive catcher who worked will with the rotation down the stretch. He is not the power hitter Alfaro can be.
The Marlins must make a decision this offseason about the backstop. Both players should still be in a Miami jersey next season, unless Jeter and Hill do a little window shopping this offseason.
The dream move would be to re-sign J.T. Realmuto this offseason, but at the $200-million price tag he is seeking, it’s not feasible. The Marlins may need to look at other avenues if they want to secure the services of someone else behind the plate. In my head, a Gary Sanchez deal makes sense if the New York Yankees are seeking pitching depth.
We all know the Marlins have plenty of arms to work with and a deal consisting of Alfaro and a prospect may work for both organizations.
Figure out the Rotation
Easier said than done. This is where the Marlins look like geniuses, accruing front line starters and a bullpen that is average at best right now. What Miami does this offseason with their multitude of arms will be a storyline worth following.
Sandy Alcantara, Sixto Sanchez and Pablo Lopez could be the most dominant trio in the National League East in 2021. It’s finding the other two starters to provide balance that becomes a question asked many times between now and the end of March.
Jordan Yamamoto, Robert Dugger, Elieser Hernandez and Jose Urena all had their moments this past season. So did Daniel Castano and Trevor Rogers. Edward Cabrera can become a solid No. 1 as well, and some including myself, believe he can be better than Sanchez in time.
Urena is the wildcard, a player Miami must trade this offseason to tighten up the numbers. I’m still holding out hope that Yamamoto remains in the rotation, but Hernandez proved to be a better starter this season.
Who Stays, Who Goes?
Jesus Aguilar may have been the best offseason acquisition for the Marlins, ahead of Corey Dickerson. His bat will be needed again next season. While the lineup looks to be revamped, having a veteran presence in the middle of the order will prove beneficial. I expect Aguilar and Brian Anderson to be more consistent at the plate in 2021.
The Marlins could add another bat this offseason to give the lineup a powerful 3-4-5 order. Anderson led the Marlins with 11 homeruns and 38 RBI. He should be much better next season. Aguilar hit eight home runs splitting time at first base and DH.
Dickerson was as good as advertised and figures to become an even more important piece to the Marlins puzzle. The front office needs to keep Miguel Rojas for his leadership and consistency. Mattingly must also find room for Jazz Chisholm, Jesus Sanchez, Monte Harrison and Lewin Diaz. The player to watch is J Bleday, who should be on the roster the second half of the 2021 season.
These are great problems to have – which is something the Marlins have not dealt with in years.
