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Miami Marlins: Building the all-time WAR starting lineup

By Matt Melton

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 20, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Marlins defeated the Mets 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 20, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Marlins defeated the Mets 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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If you were to build the ultimate Miami Marlins starting lineup based on the all-time leaders in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) from the franchise’s history, who would fill the starting nine?

Building the Miami Marlins all-time WAR starting lineup

SP – Josh Johnson

While Dontrelle Willis also ranks within the Top 5 Marlins all-time in WAR at 20.8, the pitcher with the highest combined WAR in franchise history is Johnson, ranking third at 25.7. One of only three players in Marlins history with a 25+ WAR, Johnson spent eight season’s in the organization that included a combined 3.15 ERA, two All-Star appearances, and a NL leading 2.30 ERA in 2010.

C – JT Realmuto

Just outside of the Marlins Top 10 all-time, Realmuto ranks ninth among hitters in the franchise’s history with a combined 13.9 WAR across his five years in Miami. Slashing a combined .279/.327/.442 during that span, Realmuto was also an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner in 2018.

1B – Derrek Lee

Ranking 14th among Marlins hitters all-time with a 9.9 WAR, Lee spent six season’s in the organization from 1998-2003. Included in that span was a Gold Glove in 2003, as well as four consecutive 20+ home run season’s from 2000-03.

2B – Luis Castillo

Despite Dan Uggla also ranking within the Top 10 overall with a 15.7 WAR, Castillo ranks fourth in Marlins history with a 22.4 WAR. Included in Castillo’s 10 years with the Marlins (1996-2005) were three All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, and twice leading the major leagues in stolen bases (2000 & 2002).

SS – Hanley Ramirez

Ranking second in franchise history with a 26.9 WAR, Ramirez spent seven years with the Marlins from 2006-12. Included in this span were winning the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year, three All-Star appearances, two Silver Sluggers, and leading the NL with a .342 AVG in 2009.

3B – Miguel Cabrera

Sixth in Marlins history with an 18.3 WAR, Cabrera spent the first five years of his MLB career with the-then Florida Marlins (2003-07). Slashing a combined .313/.388/.542 during that span, Cabrera was selected to four All-Star teams, as well as winning two Silver Sluggers.

LF – Christian Yelich

Right behind Cabrera at seventh all-time among Marlins in WAR is Yelich who holds a combined 17.5. Included in his five season’s from 2013-17 were one Silver Slugger and one Gold Glove.

CF – Marcell Ozuna

Ranking tenth all-time among Marlins hitters in WAR is Ozuna who holds a combined 13.8. Across his five years in the organization (2013-17), Ozuna posted three 20+ home run season’s, as well as two All-Star appearances, one Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove.

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RF – Giancarlo Stanton

We conclude with Stanton, the by-far Miami Marlins all-time franchise leader in WAR at 35.7. Spending eight years in the Marlins organization from 2010-17, Stanton’s accolades include the 2017 NL MVP, four All-Star appearances, and two Silver Sluggers, while also leading the NL in SLG% three times, NL in home runs twice, and leading the major leagues in home runs and RBI’s in 2017.

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