Marlins ST 2019: Is the bullpen deeper than we thought?

Will the Miami Marlins have a deeper bullpen in 2019? Last season, the failure to maintain leads late in games became the downfall of this franchise.

The Miami Marlins bullpen has been a point concern the past few seasons. After a 2018 campaing that saw the organization turn to a youth movement to grow and development, the pitchers on the back end of the staff could not maintain leads or hold opposing batters in check, which became a downfall for the 63-98 team.

This year could be different.

Once again, I turn to me colleague Kevin Kraczkowski for inspiration, who touched on the fact that despite a loss to Houston two days ago, the coaching staff and front office had a chance to see the future of its bullpen, which might be deeper than was once expected.

The addition of Sergio Romo will immediately help, as he will wear many hats this season as a Marlins pitcher. But the changes for the better do not just lie with the addition of one player. There is quality from the front end to the back of this bullpen, which should mean improved play in 2019.

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"“Drew Steckenrider pitched a hitless third inning, allowing only a walk. Tyler Kinley pitched the fourth, striking out two and allowing an unearned run, Kraczkowski wrote.“Mike Kickham put out a Jordan Holloway induced fire in the sixth inning, and Robert Dugger pitched a hitless, scoreless eighth, striking out a pair and walking one batter.”"

There are others to consider as well. Steckenrider is the odds on favorite to win the closer’s role – one that has been a constant concern for manager Don Mattingly since he came to Miami in 2016. Adam Conley is still a contender as well, with Romo coming in to fill the role as well. Tayron Guerrero, and his 100-plus mph fastball has an outside shot to make a lasting impression.

I believe Guerrero is best served in short relief when the team needs a hard out in the seventh and eighth inning.

Instead of worrying who to send to the bump and praying to baseball gods for getting off the field, Mattingly is blessed with depth, although it is still developing. Brett Graves is also a name to watch as he appeared in 21 games last season for the Marlins.

The Marlins jumped into free agency knowing they wanted to add another veteran arm to the bullpen. Romo was a late addition that might prove to be the best move they made this offseason. If the young arms in the ‘pen can prove they are more consistent this season, then the rotation may find more success in 2019.