Solved: Final Miami Marlins 2019 Opening Day Roster

This spring, we’ve seen our share of position battles, pitching struggles, and unforeseen roster moves.

Now, with Spring Training coming to an official close, the Miami Marlins have their final 25-man roster ready to go for Opening Day.

Miami Marlins Rotation

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 18: Caleb Smith #31 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT&T Park on June 18, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Miami Marlins were expected to carry all seven of their prospective Opening Day rotation on the active roster, with some of them slated to come out of the bullpen. The surprising 11th hour release of Dan Straily has given us even more clarity. The starting five are as noted above, and Wei-Yin Chen will take his $20 million salary and come out of the bullpen until further notice.

Bullpen

Chen

Austin Brice

Nick Anderson

Tayron Guerrero

MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Tayron Guerrero #56 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Marlins Park on September 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The finalized bullpen was somewhat up-in-the-air until the final pair of games, with Brice, Kinley, Mike Kickham, R.J. Alvarez, Tommy Eveld, and Brian Moran all getting their work in. Brice and Kinley join those who were all-but-assured of a spot throughout spring. Anderson’s selection was also not a gimme from the get-go, but his solid performance through the preseason allayed any fears that he’s “not ready” for major league action.

Catchers

Jorge Alfaro

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 17: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Philadelphia Phillies gets hit by a pitch in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 17, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

Chad Wallach

Alfaro was the pre-ordained starting catcher from the jump, but we didn’t really see very much of him through the spring due to his foul-ball adventure in the opener. Spring Training would see eight prospective backups get their time in live game-action. In the end, Wallach, who had been on the 40-man roster throughout spring, along with Alfaro, won the position. Bryan Holaday was to be optioned, but didn’t want to play in the minors anymore, and secured his release in what can only be described as a classy move by the Miami Marlins.

Infielders

Martín Prado

Neil Walker

MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Third baseman Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins hits an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park on September 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images) /

The infield shook out just as most everyone expected it would. The six who finished in camp were the same who started camp with the best possibility of finishing with the parent club. Pedro Alvarez, who had a good spring after a slow start, exercised his option and will retest free agency to find a job with a major league club.

Outfielders

Lewis Brinson

Rosell Herrera

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – MARCH 03: Rossell Herrera #5 of the Miami Marlins hits a single in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 03, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

More from Marlins News

Garrett Cooper

Curtis Granderson

Austin Dean and Peter O’Brien were the odd men out of the conversation when it was all said and done. Granderson was moved to the 40-man roster a few days ago, and Dean joined the New Orleans Baby Cakes. As for O’Brien, who struck out 19 times in 41 at bats while hitting .220, he was clearly outplayed by Cooper, who hit .395 with seven whiffs in 43 at bats. Dean and O’Brien remain on the Miami Marlins 40-man roster, for a quick recall when (not if) needed.

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