Miami Marlins: 3 Bold Predictions from Now to the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline

3. Anthony Bender leads the Miami Marlins bullpen in ERA and Holds

What a story it would be for Bender to pro-long his current success. There was obviously a lot of excitement when the Miami Marlins called up RP Anthony Bender earlier this season, and he has done nothing to disappoint yet.

Coming off of the past two seasons playing Independent Ball, Bender signed with the Marlins as a free agent during this past offseason. Impressing early on, Bender received a call-up to the big leagues where he has continued that success.

So far during the 2021 season, Bender has appeared in five games where he currently sports a perfect 0.00 ERA. Bender has also only allowed one hit during that span, while walking one and striking out eight.

Pairing all of that with an extremely impressive 14.4 K/9, it’s only a matter of time until Bender gets more often opportunities in the late innings.

Bender as we’ve seen has electric stuff on the mound. A sinker that sits around 97 mph, as well as a slider with a lot of movement, Bender controls both of these pitches well, and has the ability to make batters miss.

Is it possible that he could lead the entire Marlins bullpen in ERA when we reach the deadline, just like he currently is leading the bullpen now? Possibly. To be honest, if he keeps pitching the way he is now, combined with more opportunities because of it, it’s going to happen.

What about holds? Dylan Floro currently works the 8th inning, but what if Bender worked his way up? If he continues this success we could see Bender move into the 8th inning, and possibly even the 9th based on how Floro and Yimi Garcia perform.

If he does emerge however, and become a consistent late-inning dominant force in this Marlins bullpen, that will become a massive strength for the Miami Marlins. Not only will the Marlins have familiar names like Garcia, Floro, and more to go to in the late-innings, but you could possibly add Bender to that list as well.

Yes, these are bold predictions, and are meant to be unlikely to actually happen. If they do happen however, it could alter the Miami Marlins plans when it comes to the MLB Trade Deadline.