Young Marlins Pitchers Create Hope For The Future

Sometimes, hope is a dangerous thing. In the case of the Miami Marlins and their young pitchers, it’s a reason for optimism.

Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly may have had a tough time this season bringing a young ball club together with the idea of remaining competitive, but with young pitchers, the future is looking brighter in South Florida.

Thanks to trades and pushing the right buttons, the front office has given the Marlins skipper plenty fo young pitchers to work with over the next few seasons. There is plenty of optimism about how good this team’s pitching staff can be in the next couple of seasons.

When Joe Frisaro opened his “Inbox” segment on MLB.com, he was asked about the progression of the young arms on the Major League level and in the team’s farm system. He agrees there is a reason to believe this team can be good sooner rather than later.

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"“One of the pleasant surprises has been the progress of rookies like [Pablo] Lopez and [Trevor] Richards. Both should be front-runners to be in the 2019 Opening Day rotation,” Frisaro explains. “[Caleb] Smith, who underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, was leading all MLB rookies in strikeouts before his injury. While Smith is expected to be ready for Spring Training, typically players returning from major surgery are often eased back.”"

The three youngsters are only part of a moment by the Marlins to bring together a core of talented pitchers to grow within the organization. The Atlanta Braves proved it could be done in the early 1990s. They are proving it again with their plethora of pitching talent.

When the rosters expand on Sept. 1, Sandy Alcantara will move up from Triple-A New Orleans. Zac Gallen and Jeff Brigham could also hear their names called with a one-way ticket to Miami for the final month of the season.

There are others arms Mattingly and the front office will consider.

"“It’s unclear if Dan Straily will be back next year or if he’ll get traded. Also, in 2019, Zac Gallen, Nick Neidert, and Jorge Guzman will be getting closer to being rotation options,” Frisaro added. “I still haven’t closed the door on lefty Dillon Peters bouncing back and being in the mix.”"

Peters could be a bullpen option in 2019.

It sounds like repetition, but this is how the new ownership group led by Derek Jeter wanted to map out the future. It seems to be working, despite an almost guaranteed last-place finish in the NL East.

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To add to this talented group, Jose Urena has pitched better than his record would indicate. He could still be in the mix as well and could be a candidate to pitch on Opening Day again next season.

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