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Marlins Peter O’Brien in the lead for first base job

By David Levin

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Peter O'Brien #45 of the Miami Marlins is congratulated by Austin Dean #44 and Magneuris Sierra #34 after all three score on a double by JT Riddle #10 during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 5-4.(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Peter O'Brien #45 of the Miami Marlins is congratulated by Austin Dean #44 and Magneuris Sierra #34 after all three score on a double by JT Riddle #10 during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 5-4.(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Is the small sample of his ability enough for Peter O’Brien to lock down the Miami Marlins first base job this coming season?

Peter O’Brien made his presence known last season in the Miami Marlins minor league system. When he made his way to the Big Leagues after a Sept. 1 call-up the outfielder/first baseman impressed the front office and coaching staff with his power and play. Will it be enough to secure the starting first base job once the 2019 season opens?

As the team continues to focus on the offseason and looks forward to Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida in February, O’Brien is currently the odds-on favorite to win the starting spot. The sample size of his ability and power may have been enough to keep him in South Florida for Opening Day. The team hopes O’Brien is the guy who replaces Justin Bour’s power source in the middle of the lineup.

"“A native of Hialeah, Fla., O’Brien made the most of his September call-up,” Joe Frisaro wrote. The 28-year-old belted four home runs and drove in 10 runs in 22 games after being promoted in September.”"

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Internally, there will be others who will be given a shot at the job. If the Marlins continue with Brian Anderson at third base, veteran Martin Prado could be moved around the diamond to the other corner. Also, Derek Dietrich has no real position on the team, but the veteran is a valuable commodity to have in the lineup.

He could get a crack at first base as well.

Should he be on Miami’s roster in 2019, catcher J.T. Realmuto could also see some time there as he replaced Bour in the lineup from time to time.

The best thing right now is this is an organization with options.

Frisaro believes there will be others who are brought in to provide competition. Right now, he is their best choice.

"“On a team that ranked last in the Majors in runs scored and home runs, O’Brien provides power,” he wrote."

The Marlins will enter free agency with a short list of things to get accomplished, which include finding relief help for the bullpen, depth in the dugout and someone to possibly play first. Matt Adams is a name brought up often.

Logan Morrison could also get some attention from the front office.

Next. How many veterans will the Marlins keep in 2019?. dark

The one thing the Marlins need to do is find a player who can fill the position and help provide more offense for the 2019 season.

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