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.

1B – Lewin Diaz

With current first baseman Jesus Aguilar as one of Miami’s top potentially trade candidates, the Marlins should hand the starting role over to their No. 6 prospect after this year’s deadline. Diaz has appeared in 11-games so far this season with the big league club, and is currently slashing .230/.308/.545 in Triple-A with 14 HR’s and 36 RBI’s in 165 at-bat’s.

2B – Jazz Chisholm

Despite even a potential opening at his natural position, Chisholm will most-likely remain at second base where he may be preferred to remain long-term. While the Marlins’ deadline plans could affect who fills the second base spot on August 1, Chisholm makes the most-sense here when you look toward Miami’s future.

SS – Miguel Rojas

Holding a team-option for the 2022 season, Rojas will be one of the most interesting players to monitor at the shortstop position leading up to the July 30th deadline. While it is unknown whether or not Miami will even trade their long-time shortstop, I’ll say that Rojas will remain a Marlin.

3B – Brian Anderson

Currently nearing a return to the field from a stint on the IL, it’s unlikely Anderson is dealt at the deadline meaning the 28-year old will resume his normal starting role at the hot-corner. Also sporting a career-low .687 OPS when he went down with an injury, expect Anderson to turn things around quickly at the plate after his return.