Miami Marlins: 2017 Season Review and Offseason Preview

The Lineup

Facing the Marlins lineup was rarely fun for opposing pitchers. Of course, Stanton was front and center. He was joined in the outfield by Marcell Ozuna‘s 37 home runs and 142 wRC+, as well as Christian Yelich‘s .807 OPS. All three outfielders are under the age of 28 and remain the strength of the team.

Catcher J.T. Realmuto posted a 3.6 fWAR, which was the third highest in baseball among catchers, trailing only Gary Sanchez and Buster Posey. First baseman Justin Bour slugged 25 homers and proved that he can hit left-handed pitching. Second baseman Dee Gordon led the league in stolen bases (60) for the third time in four years.

All in all, the Marlins hit .267, good for second best in the NL. Their 778 runs scored were fifth in the league, and their entire starting lineup are in their 20s. In theory, the position players could lead the team forward toward playoff contention.