Miami Marlins: Three Players to Watch in Second Half of 2018

I said this before – the Miami Marlins could be a surprise team in the second half of the 2018 season. Despite the team’s losing record, including the 8-4 loss on Tuesday night to the Milwaukee Brewers, this is an improved ballclub. What happens after the All-Star Game July 17 could bring a bit more respectability to the organization.

The Miami Marlins must find ways to get leads and hold them. They must find ways to get the most out of their starting rotation. They must rely on the players they have on the roster now, not who might be playing in the Majors next season.

I said I thought 70 wins were possible from this squad. I still believe it. Baseball is about hitting, pitching, and defense. But it’s also about strategy and what has now become a necessary component of preparation – logistics.

More from Marlins Draft

• Miami Marlins draft retrospective: 2003
• Miami Marlins draft retrospective: 2002
• Meet the 2022 Miami Marlins Draft Picks
• Miami Marlins draft preview: Brooks Lee
• Miami Marlins draft preview: Jackson Holliday

While Marlins skipper Don Mattingly has had to use a patchwork rotation most of the season and a lineup that has looked really strong and times but has struggled more times than not, he could push the right buttons to make things a bit more exciting the remainder of this month through the end of September.

If Mattingly and this team are to do that, these three pitchers should have an impact on that success.

Sandy Alcantara

The centerpiece of the deal that sent Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals finally received the call-up everyone expected. Alcantara did not disappoint, winning his first game of his Major League Career. What happens next remains a mystery.

Now that he is throwing again, Alcantara has the stuff to be the Marlins ace for years to come. He must still work on his consistency and will need to get through growing pains as a rookie in this league.

If he can give Miami seven strong innings an outing, the second half of this season could be interesting for pitcher and team.

Brian Anderson

I am curious if Anderson can continue to approach a .300 batting average, lead the Marlins in RBI and inch closer to a National League Rookie of the Year Award. It is possible, but the former Arkansas star must maintain his current pace.

Most rookies hit a wall at some point. He shows no signs of slowing down. It’s possible he approaches a season with 15 home runs, 85 RBI, and a .290 batting average while leading the team in hits and multi-hit games.

It would be a solid start for the team’s third baseman of the future.

Lewis Brinson

We all want to see the local kid succeed. Brinson has shown brilliance in the outfield defensively. It’s the hitting that concerns me. Before he was placed on the disabled list with inflammation in his hip, he was batting .186 with 10 home runs and 30 RBI.

Those kinds of numbers aren’t balanced, which leads me to believe that the time away from the plate might have served him well.

Next: Miami Marlins Prospect Watch: Spotlight on Robert Dugger

We shall see if he can rebound and have a higher batting average in the second half of the season for the Marlins.