Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro turning heads early this season

Miami Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro is making people notice his early power as he tries to replace J.T. Realmuto at the plate and behind the dish.

As I am writing this, let the record show that Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro has three home runs this early season. Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has only one.

I’m not going to predict that Miami’s backstop will have more round trippers than their former player, but the early power that Alfaro has displayed, and his ability to work well with this young pitching staff has me and others thinking the trade this offseason may not be as one-sided as some thought.

After a spring delay, we’re Alfaro spent time resting from knee inflammation, it looks like the Marlins have a solid replacement to the teams best player last year. I do understand the fact it is early in 2019 and a lot can change over the next 150 games. But for now, let’s just call it “advantage” Marlins.

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As David Wilson of the Miami Herald wrote, “The 25-year-old was at one time the No. 39 overall prospect in the MLB.com rankings and earned a place on Baseball America’s all-rookie team in 2018. He’s not Realmuto, of course — at least not yet.”

The surge of power is something the Marlins could use given there is no proven slugger in their lineup. The three home runs so far this season are a reason for optimism given Alfaro hit 10 last year.

Hitting two home runs, to the opposite field this week was potentially a glimpse of the future. Let’s just say the upside is something the team saw when they agreed to the deal that sent Realmuto to their National League East rival.

“There’s a lot there with Jorge,” manager Don Mattingly said. “We’ve been talking about it a little bit. If this guy can get himself in good position, there’s a lot there and a lot of it’s been untapped, to be quite honest with you.”

News and Notes: The Marlins and Alfaro will get the chance to show they are an improved ballclub when they take aim at the Cincinnati Reds tonight as part of a three-game set. Jose Urena, who has lost his first two games of the season, takes the mound.

The Reds will counter with former Marlins prospect Luis Castillo.

This is the second year in a row that Urena has gotten off to a rocky start. He has a 10.38 ERA in 8 2/3 innings pitched. The team is currently 3-7 this season.