Miami Marlins: Three Players Who Must Improve In 2019

The Miami Marlins have plenty to improve as the team heads toward the 2019 season. These three players have to play better next year.

The Miami Marlins are wasting no time getting back on the horse in preparation for the 2019 season. Another season for Don Mattingly as manager. Another chance to groom young players and prospects into a contender in the next couple of years.

I know it sounds repetitive, but this is how the team from South Florida is going to be for a while. There should be progress as another year of seasoning will add maturity to the young rotation and lineup that still lacks a powerful bat in the middle of the lineup.

Mattingly dealt with lineup changes on a daily bases and also had to work magic with a pitching staff full of injuries. If anything, this is a franchise that has learned it has nowhere to go but upward. After a 63-98 season, the slate is now wiped clean for progress to continue.

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The Marlins had their moments, with players showing promise, giving fans a glimpse of the future. It wasn’t enough, however. More time, more consistency and more patience are needed. I know fans have grown tired of the company line, but it remains the same.

For the most part, the team’s roster should remain intact next year. A few veterans may find new homes and there should be a few additions to the pitching staff. What we do know is if the Marlins are to vastly improve, these players need to make another leap in their progress next season.

Brian Anderson

If his rookie season was based on the first half of 2018, Brian Anderson may have walked away with the NL Rookie of the Year Award. The second half was a struggle as the consistency he found at the plate early on diminished.

Anderson has the tools to be a consistent .280 hitter with 20-25 home runs and 85 RBI a season. He hit 11 homers and had 65 RBI this season, splitting time between third base and right field. He should remain at the hot corner next season, which could help him.

The former third-round pick out of Arkansas in 2014 is a cornerstone player the Marlins would like to build around. He could also stand to hit with more power, which is something he will learn over time.

Anderson showed enough in his first full season in the Majors to give the Marlins plenty to get excited about next year.

Wei-Yin Chen

Wei-Yin Chen had a season that should be titled, “A Tale of Two Locations.” When he was at home, he was nearly unhittable. The road, however, was as big a disaster as there was this season.

Chen has a $20 million price tag attached to his contract, which makes him impossible to trade. Add arm injuries over three seasons in Miami and inconsistency everywhere.

He could find a place in the bullpen or as the team’s fifth starter.

Unlike veterans Jose Urena and Dan Straily, there may still be some questions if Chen can be an innings eater for the Marlins.

Lewis Brinson

There is the potential for Lewis Brinson to be a 5-tool player on the Major League level. In all honesty, he is a work in progress.

Brinson got to the All-Star break with 10 homers and 30 RBI but batted .189. And injury shelved him until Sept. 1. He had one more home run after his return and he raised his average to .199. In his defense, he played much better upon his return.

The Marlins need more consistency at the plate to go along with the speed he possesses in the outfield and on the base pads.

If he becomes a 25-30 home run hitter at the top of the order, he could realize his All-Star potential.