Who Will Play Shortstop for the Miami Marlins in 2019?

While Marlins manager Don Mattingly said he does not expect a platoon system at shortstop in 2019, it is still up in the air who will start in 2019.

Miami Marlins infielder Miguel Rojas has had one of his best seasons in the Majors. J.T. Riddle, the other shortstop on the team’s roster, has started 74 games this season for the team. Finding the right person to play the position next season will be a tough call for manager Don Mattingly.

He told the media he does not expect there to be a platoon system next season.

"“I think we’re probably better served if one guy is playing there most of the time, to be honest with you,” Mattingly said. “I think that’s a discussion going into the winter, trying to put that position in perspective on which way we want to go with it.”"

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Chalk this up to one of the many decisions Mattingly is faced with this offseason and heading into Spring Training.

Rojas has had a steady season. He has been a clutch hitter and a versatile player for the team this season. He is hitting .247/.294/.342 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs.

Riddle has dealt with injuries this season that has hurt his productions. Still, Mattingly sees this as a neck and neck race right now. His stat line reads .230/.277/.378 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs.

"“It’s a hard one because Miggy has shown that he’s playing every day and swinging the bat well,” Mattingly said. “Riddle has had flashes, but it’s been inconsistent. We don’t know if it’s coming from the winter of lack of work, and things like that because of the shoulder surgery.”"

The Marlins will have some tough decisions to make regarding its infield. There could be changes at second base if veteran Starlin Castro is dealt in the offseason.

First base is still a question mark as someone must replace Justin Bour’s power. Peter O’Brien is making a strong case to fill that role.

Third base is the only spot around the infield that isn’t unsettled. Rookie Brian Anderson will open at the hot corner as he did this season.

Shortstop figures to be the one spot in the lineup that might come down to the last day of Training Camp.

"“Digging deeper into the analytics, Riddle impacts the baseball a little better,” writes Joe Frisaro. “According to Statcast™, Riddle’s average exit velocity is 86.9 mph, compared with Rojas’ 84 mph. And Riddle’s hard-hit rate (95-mph exit velocity or above) is 28.9 percent to 23.1 percent for Rojas.”"

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