Miami Marlins take step back in 2018 to move forward
The Miami Marlins 2018 was a difficult one, but that was to be expected. However, in order to take those needed steps forward, they needed to move backwards.
If there was a word to define the 2018 Miami Marlins, it would be transition. The previous offseason was the definition of change, as the Marlins changed ownership, moving on from Jeffrey Loria to an ownership group headed by legendary shortstop Derek Jeter. Amazingly, due to a number of missteps, Jeter managed to make the reviled Loria almost beloved by comparison.
Then came the exodus of talent from the organization. Dee Gordon, Marcell Ozuna, Giancarlo Stanton, and Christian Yelich all left via trade. J.T. Realmuto kept asking to be traded, but the Marlins refused. With those losses from the lineup, the Marlins predictably struggled to a 63-98 record last season.
However, those moves, and that step back, were calculated. Despite all the missteps, the Marlins have a plan, as they are looking to build a sustainable model of success. Jeter and company made those unpopular moves in an effort to bring the Marlins bottom line under control, while making moves that would lead to future success. One of those moves, the signing of the Mesa Brothers, could pay dividends in the relatively near future.
But what about the coming year? Will the better days begin in 2019? Let us take a look back at the previous season for the Miami Marlins, and take a look forward as well.
The Miami Marlins found pieces to build around
Heading into 2018, the Miami Marlins planned on building around J.T. Realmuto, and potentially Starlin Castro, as they looked to get back to respectability. They needed to find younger players that would be able to step up and help be a part of the future.
The Marlins did just that with one of their young players, but it was not who was expected. Brian Anderson, the former top prospect who had lost his luster, became a valuable part of the lineup as he split his time between third and right. Anderson produced a solid .273/.357/.400 batting line, hitting 11 homers and a team leading 34 doubles.
Joining Anderson as a relative surprise in the lineup was utility man Derek Dietrich. Continually overlooked, he posted his fourth consecutive strong season with the bat as he continued his migration around the diamond. In 2018, Dietrich posted a .265/.330/.421 batting line, hitting 16 homers and 21 doubles. Even if the Marlins are unable to find a specific position for Dietrich, his incredible versatility could lead to his being a perfect option for a team looking for their own Ben Zobrist or Marwin Gonzalez.
Yet, the biggest victory of the past year may be the acquisition of Victor Victor Mesa. Considered an excellent defensive player with stellar speed, it may not take long for him to reach the majors. If he does, and Mesa can reach the lofty heights that he is projected for, the Marlins will have a Cuban star for the region to rally around, an instant fan favorite.
The Miami Marlins have some pieces, at least on offense. As for the pitching staff…
Can anyone on the Miami Marlins get the opposition out?
While the Miami Marlins were able to find pieces on offense, the same really could not be said for the pitching staff. When Jose Urena allowed a home run on the first pitch of the season, it set a tone for the 2018 campaign.
To illustrate the Marlins issues on the pitching side, not a single pitcher who had at least 35 innings last season was better than league average. All 15 of those pitchers failed to post an ERA+ over 100 in 2018. In fact, of the 29 different players to take the mound for the Marlins last year, only Sandy Alcantara and Nick Wittgren posted an ERA+ above 100.
Those issues were particularly felt in the starting rotation. Dan Straily and Wei-Yin Chen may not have been considered part of the long term for the Marlins, but the hope was that they would pitch well enough to draw interest in the trade market. While there were a couple of nibbles on Straily, those trades did not happen. In fact, Chen’s disastrous performance away from Miami made him an untradeable commodity.
Yet, as bad as the Marlins pitching was, all was not lost. After an ugly incident when Urena threw at Ronald Acuna to lead off the game, he was on fire. Over his final seven starts, Urena posted a stellar 1.80 ERA and a 0.911 WHiP over 45 innings, while posting a 6-0 record. If that final seven weeks of the season is any indication, Urena may be ready to step forward as a viable part of the Marlins rotation.
The Miami Marlins need to find something for their pitching staff. If Urena and Alcantara can be a part of the Marlins future rotation, that will make their next steps easier.
The coming year should be more of the same for the Miami Marlins
Is there hope for the 2019 campaign for the Miami Marlins? To be honest, there probably is not.
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Yes, the Marlins are building for the future, but it is a future that is still a long way away. Adding the likes of Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. will help, but not in 2019. Instead, they are pieces that fit ownership’s long term goals of building a franchise that can contend year in and year out. However, to get there, it will take a great deal of work and some painful years in the standings.
Instead of being on the field, the Marlins biggest improvements may involve how they are perceived by the fans. After having a lower average attendance than the LSU Tigers baseball team, the Marlins are looking to tap into the local energy. Communidad 305 will be a fan focused section, looking to bring the energy found in Latin American ballparks to Marlins Park.
Of course, a great way to help improve the ballpark experience will be to have a team that is showing progress. That may well be the case, especially if the Marlins can make a couple of shrewd moves in the offseason. Different trades, or perhaps an under the radar free agent signing or two, could help bring the Marlins closer to respectability.
Next. Marlins minor league awards. dark
The Miami Marlins are taking a long term goal when it comes to their rebuild Chances are, 2019 will look a lot like last season, but the focus will be on growth.