Marlins ST 2019: Can Brian Anderson hit for power?

After a solid start to his MLB career in 2018, the Miami Marlins hope third baseman Brian Anderson can hit with more power in 2019.

It was a good start to a Major League career. Miami Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson, who also saw time in right field, hit 11 home runs and knocking in 65 RBI while batting .273. It is something the youngster can build on for the 2019. What the team would like to see is more power in Anderson’s swing this season.

At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, there is potential for Anderson to be a 20-25 home run hitter this season and continue to work on hitting for power as he becomes more comfortable on the Major League level. As Joe Frisaro of MLB.com wrote, Anderson has shown flashes of power, like he did on Friday in the Marlins 7-5 loss to the Houston Astros. Now, there needs to be more consistency at the plate, where he finds his hitting stroke that shows he can do damage with one swing of the bat.

“When these flashes of power occur on a more consistent basis is when Anderson will be listed among the top third basemen in the game,” Frisaro added.

It’s not just Anderson who needs to show improvement over last season, it’s the entire lineup. There is no true big bat in the middle of the lineup. Last year’s home run leader, J.T. Realmuto, is now in Philadelphia. Peter O’Brien is being counted on to show some lumber. So is Lewis Brinson, who could have a monster season hitting fifth in the lineup.

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Now that Anderson has been named the team’s third baseman for this season, he might be able to settle into one role with the team. The former third-round pick out of Arkansas started the season at the hot corner in place of Martin Prado in 2018 but shifted to the outfield to make room in the lineup for the veteran.

Consistency for Anderson could prove to be his greatest ally this season.

“I don’t think we’re really going to know until the season comes,” Anderson said when asked about his power potential. “But that’s something I want to improve on. I have an opportunity to improve on last year, as far as power goes.”

The Marlins have many new faces in the club house once again. Prado will be someone he leans on once again. Neil Walker, who is versatile enough to play multiple positions on this roster, could be another veteran to lend advice.

Now, he must work on his rookie season, one where he finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. He must also put together two solid halves to a season, unlike his 2018 campaign where he slipped off the last month of the year.

“As far as things I can improve on, I took away that I have room to be more consistent,” Anderson said. “I was pretty consistent last year, but there is always room to improve. I had a slower second half. So for me, my takeaway was taking care of my body and taking care of my nutrition, and making sure I stay on top of that, so I can stay good through the whole year.”