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Marlins: Three players headed for a breakout season in 2020

By David Levin |
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins watches the flight of a ninth inning RBI double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 18, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins watches the flight of a ninth inning RBI double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 18, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Which players on the Miami Marlins roster will take another step in helping the team reach mediocrity in 2020?

It’s hard to think the Miami Marlins, after making changes to their current 26-man roster, will lose 100 games in 2020. This is still a franchise building its foundation, but the concrete is starting to settle in the hot South Florida sun, which means there is better footing for the front office and the players who comprise this organization.

Now, it’s time to take a step up the ladder.

In order to make that happen, existing players on the field must also make their move toward greater success. It would not be surprising if more than one Marlin makes a greater impact than they did just a few months ago.

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The beauty baseball is there isn’t much time between the start and finish of the season, which gives players a chance to build on their success at a quicker pace.

It also means the front office and personnel must keep a mindful eye on players who are on the cusp of taking that leap to stardom fans keep hoping for. And change is still a possibility with players still on the holiday wish list the front office has moving forward.

“By Christmas, we could see at least one significant signing,” writes Joe Frisaro. “At least that’s the hope, to prevent dragging things out into January.”

Not making another move hurts the team’s progress – something the front office cannot afford to let happen. The Marlins should make some progress in 2020, with these three players having the best chance to impact the clubhouse the most.

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning at Nationals Park on September 26, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning at Nationals Park on September 26, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Brian Anderson

I have been watching Brian Anderson since he made the jump from Single-A ball to Jacksonville, the Marlins Double-A affiliate in 2017. He has not disappointed since he stepped foot onto the field at Marlins Park.

After hitting 20 home runs and 66 RBI, only to see his season cut short because of a broken bone in his hand, the stage is set for Anderson to take aim at 30 home runs this coming season. The only question that remains to be asked is where will he play this coming season, at third base or once again in the outfield.

What the Marlins do this offseason in bringing in another bat or two will help make that determination.

I think Anderson will fit comfortably back into the No. 2 or No. 3 position in the batting order and help protect the free agent the team brings in to fill that slot.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 22: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins sits in the dugout after pitching seven innings against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 22: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins sits in the dugout after pitching seven innings against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) /

Sandy Alcantara

It’s hard to look at a 6-14 pitching record and get excited about a player’s production for the coming season, but this is Sandy Alcantara and he is ready to stake his claim to becoming the Marlins No. 1 starter in the rotation.

The chance for Alcantara to turn his career record around starts this season and should be backed by a better lineup for 2020. When Alcantara was in control of his pitches and his location was at its best, he was one of the more dominant pitchers in the National League.

Things figure to be better in his second season working with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. With Caleb Smith in the No. 2 slot, the Marlins walk into the new season with their fourth and fifth starters from last season moving to the front of the line. That’s as impressive a showing as anything this rotation has offered from last season.

MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 10: Isan Diaz #1 of the Miami Marlins takes the field in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on August 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 10: Isan Diaz #1 of the Miami Marlins takes the field in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park on August 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Isan Diaz

There is still a lot to learn for Isan Diaz as he learns the speed of the game on the Major League level. There is no doubt there is talent at the plate and at second base. It’s harnessing it and continuing to build on it that will make him a star.

The good news is there is still a learning curve, as Diaz will work this offseason to master some of the finer points of hitting. He will also have a supporting cast to help him in his growth and development.
The Marlins cleared the path to make sure the organization’s Minor League Hitter of the Year is firmly entrenched at second base when it did not pick up the option on Starlin Castro’s contract. While I would have liked to see Castro on the field this season, it’s the right thing for progress’s sake.

Diaz has a chance to be a solid player in this lineup and hit 20 home runs in his first full season in the Big Leagues.

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