Five surprise players for the Miami Marlins in 2017

The Miami Marlins failed to make the playoffs after another sub-.500 season. But that doesn’t mean the year was without standout performers.

Changes are undoubtedly on the way for the Miami Marlins franchise. Derek Jeter eluded to a possible roster overhaul during his introductory press conference multiple times earlier this week. Fortunately, several players stepped up and made a case for their inclusion on the 2018 roster.

Only time will tell the true value of these breakout seasons. If they were a precursor of things to come, the Miami Marlins might be in better shape than we think. If they were an aberration, the overhaul will have to be even more sweeping than originally believed.

All bets are off with new ownership in place, but these players did everything in their power to secure a spot next season.

Adjusting to the level of play in Major League Baseball is extremely difficult. The game is impossibly hard. There is the occasional freakazoid who is able to figure it out right away, but for the most part, there is a steep learning curve.

Several of the players on our list proved they could succeed right off the bat. Some put the pieces together on what was likely their last chance to do so. Some might have done little else but boost their trade value.

Regardless of the the implications of what their success means, here are five players who took a big step forward in 2017.

Disclamer: For the sake of this list, we’ve excluded Giancarlo Stanton. His inclusion would be too obvious, as he likely batted his way to an MVP season. 

No. 5: Miguel Rojas – 2.2 WAR

Miguel Rojas battled injuries throughout the season, but when he was healthy, he was productive. 2017 was easily his most productive season as a Major League Baseball player. He staked his claim to a starting role next season en route to accumulating 1.2 wins above average.

His production was so encouraging, the Miami Marlins were comfortable trading Adeiny Hechavarria.

Rojas posted a career high in each category of his slash-line: .290/.361/.375. But he found ways to contribute without putting the ball in play as well, with a career high walk rate of 8.8 percent, and a career low K-rate at 10.4 percent.

As usual, Rojas was excellent in the field and his versatility provided nearly a full win a defensive WAR. Fielding coach Perry Hill has expressed Rojas’ ability to win a gold glove anywhere on the field, praise he doesn’t give out lightly.

Rojas saw his stock rise in 2017. If he’s able to stay healthy throughout the 2018 season, he could be an everyday player for the Miami Marlins.

No. 4: Jose Urena – 1.9 WAR

Having Jose Urena higher on the list despite producing less WAR than his predecessor might irk some. But his performance means more to the way the Miami Malrins roster can be structured moving forward. He was far and away the best starter in the rotation.

The fact that his performance came out of nowhere comes into play as well.

Before this season, Urena was a relatively unknown commodity. He’d bounced between the bullpen and the starting rotation and wasn’t particularly great in either role. His average ERA+ through his first two season was 68.5, well below the league average of 100.

Urena finally started putting things together in 2017. He failed to go at least five innings only four times in 28 starts, and had an average game score of 51. After starting the season in the bullpen, he made his first start on May 7th and never looked back.

Urena did enough to prove he can be a starter at the highest level. Next year will be crucial, and he’ll need to prove 2017 wasn’t a fluke. Where he should slot in the rotation is a matter of debate, but he’d be a legitimate third starter in a rotation.

Incredibly, Urena will be one of the elder statesman in a young rotation next season. He’ll be 26-years old when the season starts. He picked the perfect season to break out and prove his worth at the big league level.

No. 3: J.T. Realmuto – 3.6 WAR

If the Miami Marlins are going to build around any member of their core, it should be J.T. Realmuto. The Marlins had high hopes for him when they drafted him third overall in 2010, but there is no way they thought he’d be this good.

Realmuto has only logged two years of Major League Baseball service time. With plenty of team control and room to grow ahead of him, the future is bright. Realmuto has improved every season in the big leagues, but this year amounted to a quantum leap.

The Oklahoma City high school legend produced 1.8 WAA for the Marlins this season, good for nearly a full win over his 2016 season. He posted improvements in his walk rate, K rate, and lowered his caught stealing percentage.

How many catchers do you know are legging out five triples and an inside-the-park-home run?

Realmuto has rightfully earned the title of “most athletic catcher in baseball”. His defense prowess is on full display on every dribble in front of the plate. Few can field, spin, and fire the ball he can.

With versatility that is through the roof, the Marlins have a commodity unlike any other in Realmuto. He’ll be a Miami Marlin for the long haul.

No. 2: Drew Steckenrider – 0.6 WAR

This is the selection that is likely to draw the most criticism. How can a reliever be the number two player on the list? How can someone who produced a sub-one WAR finish ahead of a franchise cornerstone? Very fair questions.

Drew Steckenrider was downright dominant in his debut season. Not only did he manage to overpower hitters on a nightly basis, but he sustained his success over all 37 appearances. A few duds aside, his 177+ ERA isn’t a typo.

Steckenrider managed separate streaks of eight appearances and nine appearances without allowing an earned run. After the team traded away AJ Ramos, Steckenrider staked his claim to the closer role.

Kyle Barraclough remains the incumbent for the job, but if he falters, expect a quick hook. Relievers don’t get as many opportunities to rack up WAR and WAA like everyday players and starters do.

With that in mind, consider that Steckenrider finished with 0.3 WAA, good for third of any pitcher on the team. Barraclough finished with 0.4, second on the team. Barraclough, however, pitched 66-ininings to Steckenrider’s 34.2.

Steckenrider fits the mold of the new bullpen power arm. Fortunately for the Marlins, there are several others that fit the mold in their stable as well. With the way teams are using relievers now, their contribution has never been more important.

Steckenrider headlines the future of a potentially dominant group of young bullpen pitchers. He showed what he can do in his first taste of Major League action, and it’s scary good..