The Miami Marlins are hoping to bring back closer Brandon Kintzler. As they hold a team option for 2021, this should not be a discussion.
The Miami Marlins were the surprise of baseball in 2020. Virtually no one could foresee that they would be ready to contend for a postseason spot, let alone in what was supposed to be a tough NL East. This was especially the case after the Marlins lost more than half of their major league roster due to COVID-19 in the first weekend of the season. Nonetheless, the Marlins not only made the playoffs, but they advanced to the NLDS before being eliminated.
It is only natural that the team would look to keep some of the key impending free agents on the roster. One such player in closer Brandon Kintzler, who Miami wants to bring back.
Marlins would like RP Brandon Kintzler to return. Either they will pick up his option or try and work out a new deal after the World Series.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) October 26, 2020
As the Marlins have a $4 million option for Kintzler in 2021, it just seems to be a matter of whether or not he signs an extension. One way or another, their closer will be back on the roster next season.
It is easy to see why the Marlins would want him to return. Kintzler notched 12 saves in 14 attempts, posting an impressive 2.22 ERA and a 1.315 WHiP. Although he did not strike many batters out, with just 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in his 24.1 innings, he continued to generate an impressive amount of grounders to minimize any potential damage.
There is the potential for regression with Kintzler. While few would expect him to duplicate his 2.22 ERA, he did post a 5.00 FIP last season. Opponents also produced a .710 OPS against, his third highest mark in any full season he has had in the majors.
But there was no denying the results. Kintzler managed to outperform expectations, just as the Marlins themselves did. And with his affordable option, there is no reason for Miami not to bring the 36 year old back, hoping that he can once again be a key part of their bullpen.
The Miami Marlins are hoping to keep Brandon Kintzler around for 2021. There is no reason why that cannot happen.