Marlins in search of a lefty for the bullpen

The Miami Marlins are still in the market for a veteran lefty to add to its bullpen. Could a prospect fill that role and become just as effective for the organization?

The Miami Marlins walked into the Baseball Winter Meetings with a “to do” list that was left incomplete and still much needed to be done. The talks of a trade involving catcher J.T. Realmuto suffocated any chance of the NL East cellar dwellar making progress in finding relief help.

Now, with Spring Training less than a month away, the front office is still looking to find a left-handed arm out of the bullpen amongst its other needs not fullfilled.

The front office’s focus of the search for a reliever may have to potential prospects making the leap from the minors to the 25-man Major League roster in 2019.

"“An under-the-radar candidate is left-handed reliever Jose Quijada,” writes Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. The 23-year-old from Venezuela was added to the 40-man roster earlier in the offseason, and he has a chance to win a left-handed reliever role.”"

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The Marlins could use the help as finding lefties for their pitching staff has been an issue the past several seasons. It’s a glaring weakness manager Don Mattingly has not been able to strengthen since he came to Miami four seasons ago.

"“The Marlins are thin in that area, besides Adam Conley and Jarlin Garcia. In 63 Minor League innings last year, Quijada struck out 81, while walking 29.”"

Both Conley and Garcia began their careers as starters, but due to the need for bullpen help and the rise of minor league prospects, their best chance of sticking on the team’s parent roster was a move to the ‘pen.

For both, it has appeared to pay off.

Conley has a chance to win the team’s closer role in Spring Training. He is competing with Drew Steckenrider. Garcia figures to become the dependable long reliever – a position he has filled in the past.

There are veteran arms out there the team could be interested in.

Bud Norris is a name linked to Miami, but has had little movement. At 34-years-old, he would add experience to an otherwise young group of pitchers. Craig Mish confirmed in December the team was one of several pursuing the righty who seved 28 games last season.

If Norris were to sign with the Marlins, he may also join the mix for the open closer’s role.