Miami Marlins 2021 Position Preview: Will Catchers Catch On?

Could the Miami Marlins upgrade?

At the start of the offseason, my dream was that the Miami Marlins would throw an extra million on top of whatever St. Louis offered veteran Yadier Molina. Molina ranked 12th in pitch framing last season, and would bring a ton of veteran savvy, be it at the plate or behind it. But Molina seems very likely to return to the Cardinals after that piece of Nolan Arenado news, so that’s probably that.

Of the other remaining free agents, there really is no clear upgrade.

What the Marlins did do was add depth, with that Sandy Leon signing. Seeing as how he last hit above the Mendoza line in 2017 though, his ceiling is the No. 3 catcher. That being said, Covid-19 will still loom large over the 2021 season. Veteran depth matters more than ever, and Leon outperformed both Alfaro and Wallach last year as a pitch framer. He’s likely to play, just not likely to be memorable. Or rather, outside of a clutch pinch hit, Marlins fans really need to be hoping he isn’t.

Fantasy value?

Only Alfaro, and only in two catcher or 12-team and deeper rotisserie leagues. Just keep drafting J.T. Realmuto and remembering you knew him once.

More than likely, the “Marlins catcher” season is one you can steer away from in fantasy. Real world outcomes in mind though, time to talk…