The Miami Marlins may have already made their biggest moves this offseason by picking up the option on centerfield Starlin Marte’s contract and making the decision to let reliever Brandon Kintzler walk in free agency.
Now comes the process of deciding where this organization turns next during a short offseason with Spring Training a little more than two and a half months away. There is just enough time for a lull in the season. Can Miami, a team that made their first postseason appearance in 17 seasons, make the right moves to remain competitive and chase a National League East title?
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, “ The Marlins’ other free agents who are now eligible to sign elsewhere are relievers Brad Boxberger and Nick Vincent, outfielder Matt Joyce, infielder Sean Rodríguez and catcher Francisco Cervelli.”
Cervelli won’t return as he retired at the end of the season. The catcher position will be one to follow as the Marlins have both Jorge Alfaro and Chad Wallach on the roster but might look for an upgrade for 2021. As impactful as the 60-game schedule was on the Marlins, possibly more than any other team in the game, Derek Jeter and the front office cannot take their foot off the accelerator. More moves should come in Hot Stove and free agency.
Personally, I am more concerned with finding a replacement for president of baseball operations Michael Hill. Will Jeter look to find someone he is familiar with or look outside the box and bring in a known commodity with no ties to the organization or the New York Yankees?
The biggest question right now for this franchise is will it spend the money needed to make improvements for 2021 or does this front office exhale ever so slightly and get back in line with the blueprint that was established for this team at the beginning of 2018? Do the riches of decisions made through trades, free agency and the MLB Draft remain the focal point of this resurrection of a baseball team?
What changes are Jeter and the front office willing to make? Miami needs a closer, possibly more relief help and help behind the dish. A power hitter is a possibility. Manager Don Mattingly must decide which prospects remain in the Majors. Do the Marlins use any of their top talent to lure a power hitter from another team?
Miami is now considered a contender, which also means there is more pressure to win now. The roster at each level of the organization was built for sustainability. Mattingly and Jeter learned just how good this team’s future can be in a little over two-month’s time. I think a larger sample size in the Spring will prove to be a great lesson in what happens next.
Don’t expect Miami to jump into the pool to bid on catcher J.T. Realmuto. Look for them to seek another middle-0f-the-order bat. They should look to add more depth behind the plate or make a splash with a trade or two.
The best part of this offseason is the excitement generated from an unlikely run to the postseason. Not everyone thought it was possible. The Marlins made it happen. Hopefully with a few more moves and patience, they do it again. For now, we can all speculate how this franchise should navigate the offseason. It’s a wild ride fans and the media should enjoy since this ball club is a pushover no more.
