Miami Marlins: Three Bold Predictions for the 2020 Season

As the Miami Marlins 2020 campaign grows ever closer, Marlin Maniac takes a stab at three predictions.

One of my predictions was that Matt Kemp would enjoy a career-resurgence with the Miami Marlins, but that ship has sailed when he was released on June 26. He’s since inked a minor-league deal with the Colorado Rockies.

Even though Kemp is gone, there is still a world of possibility for the Miami Marlins in 2020 as far as “out there” predictions. Here’s three.

Eddy Alvarez Will Make His Major League Debut

Former Olympic speed skating silver medalist Eddy Alvarez, now 30-years-old, will make his long-awaited major league debut. Say what you will about late-blooming two-sport stars, but I guarantee that Alvarez has more of a major league impact than does Tim Tebow.

In 70 games in the Miami Marlins minor league system last year, Alvarez slashed .324/.408/.559 with a dozen homers and 44 RBI, along with 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts. Listed by baseball reference as a 2B/3B/SS, Alvarez is a “natural shortstop.” Despite that, his defensive metrics suggest he’s actually better at second base with a .967-to-.950 spread in fielding percentage.

The Marlins currently have Isan Diaz entrusted with the job at second. If Diaz gets off to a rough start, Alvarez may find himself in the show.

The Marlins Will Win 25 Games and Miss the Playoffs

Maybe this one really isn’t a “bold” prediction, as such. With a the toughest opponent schedule of any National League team, with an opposing team record of .534, the schedule-makers didn’t do the Marlins any big favors.

Despite the uphill climb, the low expectations, and recent struggles on the road to respectability,  the Marlins will top 25 wins and stay in the pennant race until mid-September. With a few bad-hop grounders and a few line drives sliced one way or the other, Miami could win 30. Don’t quote me on that 30 figure though.

Brian Anderson Will Play More Right Field

With an abundance of high-minor league talent in the outfield, the Miami Marlins best outfielder in 2019 was actually an infielder.

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A third baseman by trade, Brian Anderson has made 17 assists from right field over the past two seasons in only 146 games. In each year, he placed third in the Senior Circuit in right field assists, despite playing less than half of his time at the nine.

With Miguel Rojas, Jonathan Villar, and the aforementioned Alvarez available to play at the hot corner, it’s entirely plausible that Anderson will soon be considered an elite right fielder in the N.L. — if he isn’t already.

Whatever we wind up with, its long overdue. Baseball is baseball, and we’ve been living without it for longer than anyone in recent memory. Thanks for reading.