Miami Marlins having horrendous stretch no one is paying attention to

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 15: Lewin Diaz #69 of the Miami Marlins singles for his first career hit against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Marlins Park on August 15, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 15: Lewin Diaz #69 of the Miami Marlins singles for his first career hit against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Marlins Park on August 15, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

For all of the gnashing of teeth and tearing of hair over the Yankees’ struggles, it could always be worse. They could be the Miami Marlins.

Let us go back to July 14. At the time, the Marlins were a possible contender for the Wild Card, a team on the edge of the postseason hunt despite their 43-45 record. They had actually outscored their opponents by three runs, making it possible that the right moves could help them return to the postseason.

Miami Marlins undergoing horrendous stretch

Instead of looking to buy at that point, the Marlins waited. That turned out to be prudent as they began to implode. Heading into Monday, the Marlins had posted a 9-24 record since, being outscored by 68 runs. Even with those wins, the Marlins have managed to be outscored by over two runs a game.

The Marlins clearly have work to do, especially on the offensive end. They rank 14th in the National League in runs, homers, on base percentage, slugging, and OPS. No matter how good their pitching has been, it is impossible to win a game 0-0.

Chances are, that will be the Marlins’ focus this offseason. There has been speculation that they will be willing to move pitchers in a quest to upgrade their offense. While it is questionable as to how much the Marlins are willing to spend on payroll or in free agency, they clearly know what areas need to be improved.

That point has been hammered home over the past few weeks. No matter how close the Marlins may have felt they were, they are clearly much further away from contending. This run of futility underscores that point.

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The Miami Marlins were on the edge of the playoff chase not that long ago. Their recent horrendous stretch shows how far away they are.