Marlins: 3 Questions facing the team ahead of Spring Training

Who will be the Closer?

Ah, yes. The $64,000 question.

Who wins the closer role in Miami? Does anyone jump out in Jupiter and claim it as their own? Finding a dependable specialist has been a problem with these Marlins for years. Sergio Romo was good, but he was a stop-gap and did not last a season.

The rest of the clan is still a mixed bag of arms looking to make a statement.

If you are a betting man (or woman) then Drew Steckenrider should be the candidate to follow. There are others in the clubhouse, like Jarlin Garcia, Ryne Stanek and Jeff Brigham. The Marlins made moves this offseason to help their bullpen, which was a huge disappointment in 2019.

Adam Conley or Jose Urena could be DFA before the end of camp, so I am not counting on their participation just yet.

The truth is I cannot tell you who comes out of camp with the “title” but I do know Mattingly will be quick to make a move if the person he chooses does not pan out. His job, regardless of the two-year extension, is on the line. I’d love to see Garcia win the role because he was a consistent pitcher last season.

Consistency will define how good this pitching staff will be in 2020.