Miami Marlins: 6 Players that would Benefit most from a Strong September

It is no secret that the Miami Marlins have struggled overall throughout the 2021 season. Coming off a postseason run in 2020, Miami has not looked the same this season compared to last, partly due to a combination of injuries and other things.

Currently sitting at 55-78 overall, the Marlins are long out of the playoff picture, and essentially have been playing the remainder of the 2021 season to see what they may have entering the offseason.

Because of this, the Marlins have had a few younger players taking center stage as they have capitalized on the additional playing time since the July 30th MLB Trade Deadline. However, for these players in question, can they carry over the success from August to September?

Which Miami Marlins players would benefit most from a strong September?

As the calendar has officially flipped to September, there is only one month remaining in the 2021 MLB season. When looking at a couple of Marlins in particular, there are a few that stick-out as players who would benefit from a strong final month.

Some of these players have had very good seasons, while others may have struggled over the 2021 campaign. One thing clear however – as the Marlins wind down the 2021 season, focus begins to shift toward the 2022 season.

Here are six players whose 2022 outlook with the Marlins would benefit most from a strong final month, starting with an honorable mention.

HM. RP Anthony Bender

2021 Season Stats: 2-2, 2.94 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 3 Saves, 14 BB, 61 K

The 26-year-old has had a strong rookie season with the Marlins which even included not allowing an earned run across his first 21 innings pitched on the season. It seems likely that Bender will be back next season, and he has already received some looks in recent weeks as Miami’s closer – could Bender potentially secure the closing role for the Marlins going into 2022 with a strong September?

4. OF Bryan De La Cruz

2021 Season Stats: .355 AVG, .390 OBP, .473 SLG, .863 OPS, 2 HR, 8 RBI

De La Cruz has quietly been one of the top hitters in baseball since being acquired from the Astros at the trade deadline in his first ever big league action. Entering play Tuesday in New York, the 24-year-old outfielder has posted an .863 OPS across his first 28 career games.

With the ability to play every outfield position defensively, it is certain that De La Cruz will factor into Miami’s 2022 outfield plans, but what role will he play? While a player with his positional versatility makes sense as the perfect “fourth outfielder” who makes spot starts every couple of days, can De La Cruz claim one of three starting outfield spots over the next month going into next season?

3. SP Elieser Hernandez

2021 Season Stats: 1-1, 3.63 ERA, 1.075 WHIP, 4 BB, 23 K

Hernandez missed a majority of the 2021 season due to an injury, but has been good since returning, including another impressive start Tuesday in New York. While the 26-year-old has impressed this season, the remainder of the 2021 season is key for Hernandez as we have discussed before.

The Marlins have many potential internal options to fill their 2022 starting rotation, but where will Hernandez, a player who arguably was forgotten about a few weeks ago, factor into those plans? If Hernandez remains in Miami going into next season, whether he remains in the rotation or transitions to the bullpen may be decided over the next month.

2. OF Lewis Brinson

2021 Season Stats: .246 AVG, .286 OBP, .430 SLG, .716 OPS, 7 HR, 25 RBI

Similar to De La Cruz previously, as the Marlins look to fill their 2022 starting outfield in the offseason, Brinson is another candidate to claim a potential starting role with a strong September. Currently enjoying the best season of his career with the Marlins, can Brinson finish strong?

While Brinson has certainly cooled-off after his phenomenal start to the month of August where he slashed a combined .365/.411/.692 with four home runs and 17 RBI’s across the first 14 games this month, the 27-year-old is still having a strong season. Brinson will likely factor into Miami’s 2022 outfield plans in some way next season, but whatever role he plays may be decided over the next month.

1. C Jorge Alfaro

2021 Season Stats: .244 AVG, .281 OBP, .351 SLG, .631 OPS, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 8 SB

Arguably the player that could potentially benefit the most from a strong month of September is Alfaro. Acting as Miami’s starting catcher, Alfaro has had a down year both offensively and defensively, even seeing time recently at both left field and first base.

As mentioned previously with Jackson, it is currently unknown who will be the Marlins starting catcher next season with Alfaro and Jackson the top internal options. While his 2021 season hasn’t been the best of his career, Alfaro could potentially secure the starting catching role for 2022 with a strong September.

While the Marlins may not be playing postseason baseball this season, the remainder of the 2021 campaign could benefit these six players in particular when looking toward next season.