Miami Marlins bold prediction: The Marlins own the division’s best rotation
Yes you read that right. Miami will have the best rotation in the NL East. It may seem bonkers, considering the Mets just added Justin Verlander to a rotation which already maintains Max Scherzer, but don’t sleep on Miami. New York’s rotation is old. Atlanta’s has some notable question marks, so Miami has the opportunity to sneak up on people.
Miami’s under the radar rotation is headed by last year’s Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. In 2022, Alcantara led the league in innings pitched, and kept his ERA below 2.30. As an ace, Alcantara is as good as they come. Backing him up is a collection of slept on talent, and the potential for a young stud later in the season. Johnny Cueto and Trevor Rodgers are both more than capable of eating up innings while throwing quality strikes. Edward Cabrera and Jesus Luzardo have both shown impressive stuff, with the potential to break out in 2023.
Even if the Marlins current rotation fails to deliver, top prospect Eury Perez could arrive midseason and explode onto the scene. Perez, 19 years old, stands 6-foot-8 and throws a fastball which comfortably touches the high 90s. If he continues to progress through the minors, Miami could have another ace on their hands.