Marlin Maniac
FanSided

Miami Marlins Spring Training Battles 2020: Center Field

ByDavid Fernandez|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Lewis Brinson #9, Harold Ramirez #47 and Jon Berti #55 of the Miami Marlins celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Lewis Brinson #9, Harold Ramirez #47 and Jon Berti #55 of the Miami Marlins celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
4 of 5
Marlins
SURPRISE, AZ – NOVEMBER 03: AFL East All-Star, Monte Harrison #4 of the Miami Marlins. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Monte Harrison

Perhaps the player with the most to gain during spring training might be Monte Harrison. The 24-year-old, top-5 prospect was in line for a call-up last season, but injuries derailed that plan. In 58 games with Triple-A New Orleans, Harrison hit .274 with a .357 on-base percentage, nine homers, 24 RBI and 20 stolen bases. He’s a rangy athlete with tremendous upside.

This spring Harrison will have to demonstrate he’s ready to make the leap to the big leagues. One of several outfield prospects nearing the Major League level, Harrison might want to get the jump on the likes of Bleday, Sanchez and Encarnacion. A slow spring will land Harrison in Triple-A to start the season, but he’ll probably be with the Marlins at some point in 2020.

Magneuris Sierra

Miami Marlins
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 03: Magneuris Sierra #34 of the Miami Marlins makes a catch in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on September 3, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The player with the most to lose during spring training might be Magneuris Sierra. The 23-year-old speedy center fielder is out of minor league options, so if he doesn’t break camp with the club he’ll be designated for assignment or traded.

Sierra’s first go around with the Marlins didn’t go well. Arriving in Miami via the Marcell Ozuna trade, Sierra was bad in 2018, slashing .190/.222/.211 in 156 PA, with 39 strikeouts and only six base-on-balls.

After some additional seasoning in Triple-A, Sierra rejoined the Marlins in September 2019 and played well. He slashed .350/.381/.425 over 15 games. He was reliable in the field, notching a pair of outfield assists, and stole three bases. If he can continue to develop, Sierra may just steal center for the team.

Home/Marlins News

Schedule