Miami Marlins Labor Day Special: Top Five Marlins of 2015

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Sep 4, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) avoids teammates after hitting the game winning RBI single to defeat the New York Mets 6-5 in 11 inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Labor Day Marlins fans. We now stand less than one month away from the conclusion of the 2015 MLB regular season. At this point, we can attest to which Marlins have been the most valuable this season.

These rankings will be based off of Fangraphs’ calculation of WAR (Wins above replacement) following the conclusion of Sunday’s contest against the Mets.

During the 2015 campaign, we’ve focused on the negative, reasonably. Here are some positives. So without further ado, I present to you the top five Marlins of 2015.

Aug 27, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez looks into the stands during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Marlins Park. The Pirates won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jose Fernandez (1.7 WAR)

Jose Fernandez, despite being sidelined for the majority of 2015, ranks fifth on the team in WAR. When he did play, Jose drew fans into the stadium and posted eye-popping numbers.

2015: 4-0, 2.30 ERA, 1.75 FIP, 11.09 K/9, 2.09 BB/9

Pitching stats don’t come much more efficient than that. For a pitcher that hasn’t lost at home in his career, it’s truly a shame that he can’t seem to remain on the field.

ICYMI: Why Jose Fernandez needs to change his mechanics

Without a doubt, Miami’s ace would rank higher if he kept healthy. And yes, this can be stated for many Marlins, but most of them don’t come as injury-plagued as Fernandez does.

Sep 6, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) throws over to first base during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Martin Prado (1.9 WAR)

This weekend’s hero, Martin Prado, has posted impressive numbers in 2015. I wrote in today’s Morning Catch that Prado is a keeper, and for many reasons.

With his bat, Prado keeps a .275+ average seemingly every year, scattering extra base hits at a high rate. He also poses as a clutch hitter, as displayed this past weekend.

In the field, Prado can play nearly every position. Mainly starting at third base this season, he will likely be seen splitting time with Derek Dietrich at the hot corner next year, if the Marlins can remain healthy.

Aug 29, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) fields the ball hit by Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (not shown) during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

3. Adeiny Hechavarria (2.9 WAR)

Hech receives the award for “Most Improved Defensive Marlin” without a doubt. In 2014, The 26-year-old shortstop ranked as MLB’s 90th best defender according to Fangraphs’ Def rating, which accounts both fielding efficiency and positional adjustment.

This season has told a different story. Hechavarria sits just behind Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier for the top spot in Fangraphs’ Def rating among every major leaguer.

At the plate, Hech has improved as well. He’s upped his average from .276 to .281, but has also gained some pop. Hechavarria’s ISO of .094 stands above his .080 mark of last year.

Overall, Adeiny Hechavarria may be Miami’s most improved player this season, ranking as the third most valuable member of the Marlins.

Sep 6, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) connects for a base hit during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dee Gordon (3.4 WAR)

Last winter, the Miami Marlins acquired Dee Gordon and Dan Haren for what seemed to be a steep price. Fish fans didn’t 100% agree with the move, but Gordon has done all that he can to change the perception of that deal.

Defensively, Gordon has starred as one half of the best fielding double-play combo in the game. But his magic in 2015 has come at the plate.

2015: .329/.354/.409, 169 H, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 48 SB, 108 wRC+

Dee Gordon has been a hits machine in 2015. Despite being placed on the DL with a dislocated thumb in early July, causing him to miss the all-star game, Flash Jr. still leads MLB in hits.

In August, I wrote a piece on why I think Gordon can’t necessarily keep this type of play up, but will be better than he has in the past following 2015. So far he’s proving me wrong, and hopefully he continues to do so.

Jun 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

1. Giancarlo Stanton (3.7 WAR)

You can’t seem to find a Marlins list anymore without Big G on it. This one is no exception. The phenomenal aspect of his #1 spot on the Marlins in WAR is that Stanton has missed nearly half of 2015.

I’ve written an array of pieces displaying how impressive Stanton’s 2015 is. I encourage you to check them out as a continued description of his excellence.

1. Can Stanton hit 70 in 2016?

2. Ten Milestones Giancarlo Stanton can reach in the future

3. Every Giancarlo Stanton homer from 2015 in one minute (video)

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Next: Is Martin Prado a keeper?

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