Marlins: Three bold predictions for Spring Training

Brandon Kintzler Becomes the Marlins Closer

This is going to be one of those moves in the middle of Miami’s offseason that we all look back on and discover how genius it really was. Brandon Kintzler gives the Marlins a dependable arm out of the bullpen, which allows Drew Steckenrider to become one of the better setup men in the Majors.

"“Kintzler, who signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract, is likely the favorite to earn the closer role,” writes Wells Dusenbury of sun-sentinel.com. “Working as a set-up man for the Cubs, the 35-year-old right-hander posted a 2.68 ERA in 62 appearances last season. Two years ago, Kintzler recorded 29 saves in 35 opportunities with the Twins and Nationals.”"

Now, he becomes the specialist the Marlins need to stabilize the bullpen.

There is still a chance Steckenrider wins the job. I thought Jarlin Garcia would get an opportunity as well, but the Marlins designated him for assignment. The bullpen got a makeover this offseason. It should be much better in 2020.

If Kintzler is as good as Sergio Romo or even better than Miami could hold onto late-inning leads instead of squandering opportunities.