Marlins Christmas 2019: Three presents under Miami’s tree

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 17: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Marlins Park on May 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 17: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Marlins Park on May 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MI – MAY 22: Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins celebrates his two-run home run with Garrett Cooper #26 against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning at Comerica Park on May 22, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

Three Players, 30 Home Runs

Seeing that baseball is the ultimate numbers game, the Marlins finally show some power at the plate and jump out of the basement as the league’s worst home run hitting team.

Brian Anderson was on pace to hit 25 home runs last season before a broken hand took away his last month of the season. Garrett Cooper showed immense power, but he was injured way too often. Manager Don Mattingly said he does not see Cooper, who can play in the outfield and at first base, as an everyday player. Both are capable of hitting 30 home runs in a season.

The wild card comes from other players on the roster or from a free agent the team may still sign this offseason.

Jonathan Villar hit 24 home runs last season in a Baltimore Orioles uniform. Jorge Alfaro hit 18 last year as the Marlins starting catcher. There is also Jesus Aguilar, who only hit 12 homers last season, but could find his stroke in Miami.

I’m betting on it being Yasiel Puig if the Marlins do indeed sign him this offseason.

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