Miami Marlins: Way-too-early Roster Prediction for the 2022 Season

Bullpen

The potential Miami Marlins 2022 bullpen will likely feature many names from last seasons group, a unit that saw success throughout the 2021 campaign. In addition to this group, the Marlins could also opt-to bring in another experienced late-inning option.

RHP – Anthony Bender

After an impressive 2021 rookie season, Bender will return in 2022 as an important piece of the Marlins bullpen. A potential closer option, the right-hander posted a 2.79 ERA a year ago with three saves across 61.1 innings pitched.

RHP – Dylan Floro

Floro played an important role in the Marlins bullpen during the 2021 season, and should return for the 2022 campaign where the right-hander could play a similar role. Making 68 appearances this past season, Floro posted a 2.81 ERA with 15 saves, 25 walks, and 62 strikeouts.

LHP – Jesus Luzardo

After acting solely as a starter after being acquired by the Marlins at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline, Luzardo could begin the 2022 season in the Miami bullpen. The southpaw will likely split time during the 2022 campaign as both a starter and reliever, an area where he has experience in both.

RHP – Zach Thompson

Thompson enjoyed success during his rookie season as a starter, with that success continuing as a reliever toward the end of the season. Posting a 3.24 ERA this past season, Thompson should return in 2022 as a middle-inning relief option in the Marlins bullpen.

LHP – Richard Bleier

Bleier posted a 2.95 ERA during the 2021 campaign striking out 44 batters to six walks across 58 innings pitched. The left-hander should return for the 2022 season as an important piece of the Marlins bullpen.

LHP – Steven Okert

The left-hander enjoyed a strong 2021 season, and should return in 2022 as a middle-inning relief option in Miami’s bullpen. Pitching a total of 36 innings this past season, Okert posted a 2.75 ERA with 15 walks and 40 strikeouts.

CP – Brad Hand/Andrew Miller/Yimi Garcia/Kendall Graveman

The last spot in the bullpen may be the hardest to predict as it will likely feature either a trade or free agent signing for a late-inning option who can close games. A few intriguing options could be reunions with former Marlins such as Hand, Miller, and Garcia, as well as others coming off strong seasons such as Graveman.