Miami Marlins: Predicting the Starting Lineup post-2021 MLB Trade Deadline

As the second half of the 2021 Miami Marlins season officially began with a split of a double-header Friday in Philadelphia, the next two weeks will be very telling on what the team’s future roster will look-like.

The Marlins have multiple players that will garner interest from teams around the league at this year’s MLB Trade Deadline. Assuming that the Marlins sell, how will these potential trades affect Miami’s everyday starting lineup going forward?

What will the Miami Marlins lineup look-like post-2021 MLB Trade Deadline?

There are multiple options to fill each position based on the moves that the Marlins make, with some a little clearer, or more obvious, than others. While Miami could obviously potentially acquire a big league starter at one of these positions over the next two weeks, let’s assume solely for these predictions that they get back prospects only via trade, and that we should use internal options only.

When looking at the rotation post-deadline, it will most-likely stay the same. The bullpen however could undergo some change as Miami has multiple relievers that will be sought-after on the reliever market.

The lineup however is one of the biggest questions, as at-least three-to-four positions could be potentially up for grabs. When making predictions for each starter in the lineup on August 1, there are some positions that are a little easier to predict than others.

C – Jorge Alfaro

While it is entirely possible that the Marlins potentially sell the veteran catcher, I’ll say that Alfaro will most-likely remain the primary backstop for Miami on August 1. While his .212/.265/.298 season slash line will need to improve, his previous track record shows us that the 28-year old catcher is bound to turn things around offensively at some point.

LF – Jesus Sanchez

The Marlins primary left fielder since his return to the big leagues a couple of weeks ago, Sanchez will continue to see everyday action in the starting lineup, as well as likely moving up in the batting order. While a move to right field after the deadline is a possibility depending on what moves the Marlins make, staying in left field makes sense for Sanchez who could remain at the position long-term.

CF – Monte Harrison

Unable to garner consistent playing time so far in the big leagues, that could change should Miami decide to trade center fielder Starling Marte. While Lewis Brinson would also be a candidate to takeover a potential vacant spot in center, the starting role to begin should go to Harrison who has slashed .259/.331/.431 with four HR’s, 16 RBI’s, and eight stolen bases in the minor leagues so far this season.

RF – Magneuris Sierra

Right field may be the position hardest to predict as Adam Duvall and Garrett Cooper are among the Marlins that will most-likely garner the most interest via trade. If one or both are still with Miami post-deadline, the position will remain unchanged, but if neither are still with the team then, the starting role will most-likely go to Sierra who is slashing .237/.298/.263 with five SB’s this season.

While we obviously won’t know for another two weeks on what the potential lineup will look-like post-deadline, it’s clear that the Marlins have internal options including both top prospects and younger players looking for more opportunity. Depending on the Marlins’ moves, is this what the lineup post-deadline lineup should look like?