Miami Marlins: Is Brian Anderson the team’s next All-Star player?

Will Brian Anderson’s play on the field this coming season by the reason the Marlins third baseman becomes an All-Star for the first time in 2020?

The Miami Marlins had one all-star last year. Sandy Alcantara made the roster by virtue of the rule that every single MLB team should be represented.

Hopefully this year, the team from South Florida will have a few representatives on the roster during the Mid-Summer Classic based on the way they played, not by some technicality.

Since this team still does not have a true identity, nor does it have a player the baseball masses can identify with, the Marlins will need to count on player development. This means Brian Anderson has a better than a decent shot to find his way to the All-Star team for the first time.

“The emergence of Brian Anderson has been a gradual process. The 26-year-old made his big league debut as a September callup in 2017, and he has been a regular in the Marlins’ lineup since then, writes Zachary Silver of MLB.com.More from Marlins NewsMiami Marlins news: Another target goneWhy didn’t the Miami Marlins sign JDM?Miami Marlins rejected Boston‘s trade offerMiami Marlins are pursuing Michael ConfortoMiami Marlins need to spend to win“Anderson was tracking towards 25 home runs last year, before being struck by a pitch in late August that fractured a bone in his left hand. Prior to the injury on Aug. 23, Anderson was in the midst of a torrid second half.”

Not only will the Marlins use his power in the lineup, where he should bat second, his defense in the outfield or at third base is also is an underrated part of his game.

Miami could still send Alcantara, who should be the team’s ace this season on the mound. Jonathan Villar, who came over from Baltimore, has a shot as well. And don’t count out someone like Caleb Smith who is a strikeout pitcher, or catcher Jorge Alfaro, who should play even better in a second season in Miami.

Still, the focus should be on Anderson as a leader and the centerpiece of the franchise.

“After the All-Star break, he was slashing .284/.355/.568 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs in 39 games. Having split time between third base and right field over the past two seasons, Sliver added.“The Marlins are aiming to keep him exclusively at the hot corner. He also has a better lineup around him, and the Marlins Park fences have been moved in, which should help improve his statistics.”

Anderson should be the teams opening day third baseman, his natural position. With Villar playing in centerfield, the idea of “Andy“ playing consistently in one spot should help him concentrate on better numbers and a better batting average.

Those two things alone could be the difference in him becoming not only the team’s leader but also how a rising star makes his first All-Star appearance this summer.

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