Brandon Kintzler and Adam Duvall signings show Miami Marlins still a joke

When the Miami Marlins made the postseason in 2020 (albeit in a pandemic shortened season, with an expanded playoff format) we thought they were trending in the right direction. We thought they were going to start building around the young core of players they have and try to make a run at respectability. We were wrong.

The Adam Duvall contract and Brandon Kintzler shun job prove Miami Marlins are still a joke.

After sitting around the entire offseason twiddling their thumbs, the hot stove has started to sizzle in South Beach. By that we mean the Marlins have signed a guy you have heard of, to a major league contract.

Prior to the Adam Duvall signing, the only other moves the team had made of consequence (excluding minor league deals of course) were signing 33 year old Anthony Bass, and 35 year old journeyman Ross Detwiler. We won’t delve too much into the Detwiler addition, though he has been on a string of minor league contracts for four-plus years and had to start the 2019 season in the Independent Leagues because no one in the majors wanted him. The Marlins said, “Hey man, take this guaranteed contract.”

Duvall has fallen off some from his back-to-back campaigns of ’17-’18 when he averaged 32 home runs and 101 runs batted in for the Cincinnati Reds, though remains a decent outfield addition.

He signed for $2M this year with a $7M mutual option next year. The option comes with a $3M buyout should the Marlins decide to part ways next year. They won’t be footing that bill, no way. This contract smells of, we are going to pay as little as we can, then do our best to flip Duvall at the deadline and be off the hook for all the 2022 money. A backloaded contract for a reason.

Then there is the curious case of Brandon Kintzler. The former closer of the Marlins, who converted 12 of 14 saves a year ago, was most likely in line to compete for the closer’s role this year, turned down $2M and a guaranteed roster spot to return to Miami. Instead, he opted to gamble on himself and take a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies with the opportunity to earn $3M if he makes the team out of camp. There is nothing guaranteed for the 35 year old. Well, there was. $2M and a roster spot in Miami.

Playoff appearance aside, these are the same low budget, laughable Miami Marlins they have always been. If I wasn’t mistaken, I’d say Jeffrey Loria was still running this team.