Marlins: 3 Questions facing the team ahead of Spring Training

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Don Mattingly #8 of the Miami Marlins adjusts the line before the game between the Houston Astros and the Miami Marlins at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Don Mattingly #8 of the Miami Marlins adjusts the line before the game between the Houston Astros and the Miami Marlins at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
3 of 4
Marlins
SURPRISE, AZ – NOVEMBER 03: AFL East All-Star, Monte Harrison #4 of the Miami Marlins bats during the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Which Prospects Can Make the Opening Day Roster?

Do you want to talk about pitchers or look at the every-day roster?

The Marlins have several players who are almost MLB ready and could take the next step in Spring Training. We have talked a lot about Monte Harrison, who is my pick to win the open centerfield job. Jesus Sanchez is another player who looks to fit the role.

He should start the season in Triple-A at Wichita. There will be plenty of changes to the Marlins roster during the season. Both players should make an impact early in the season. If Harrison does not make it to the first 26, then he will be the first player called up when there is an injury or Mattingly wants to make a change to his roster.

If you want to talk about other candidates, look no further than Jazz Chisholm, who must get better at the plate, and Lewin Diaz, who could be a 30-40 home run threat once he gets comfortable with Major League pitchers.

Sixto Sanchez, Edward Cabrera and Jorge Guzman will all start the season in Wichita and wait their turn to crack the rotation. Nick Neidert should be the first arm called up to The Show unless he can show enough in camp to fill the fifth starter spot.

Mattingly and his staff have plenty of options and depth to work with. That is a great thing.

Schedule