3 moves the Miami Marlins could make to contend in 2022

For a team that has only made the postseason three times in the franchise’s 28-year history (won World Series in two – 1997 & 2003), the Miami Marlins are in an interesting place entering the 2022 season.

After making the postseason during the shortened 2020 season, Miami had a disappointing 2021 campaign that concluded with a fourth place finish in the NL East at 67-95 overall. Despite struggling last season, there is no denying that the club does have pieces up-and-down the roster ready to contend going forward, and have only increased those chances so far this offseason through multiple additions.

Joining an already talented and deep rotation are exciting young pieces such as Jazz Chisholm, Jesus Sanchez, and Lewin Diaz, while the club also displays a nice mix of proven veterans. Joining those names are the previously mentioned additions such as Avisail Garcia, Jacob Stallings, and Joey Wendle, each of whom will play massive roles in 2022.

With an already talented roster, the Marlins as-is you could certainly argue will already be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2022. However, could they possibly contend for more next season?

3 moves the Miami Marlins could make to contend in 2022

The Marlins already have a talented roster, and have shown through their additions so far this offseason that the club is serious about contending in the very near future, and are likely not done adding this offseason either.

So, how about we accelerate that “in the very near future” to “in 2022” shall we? Here are three moves the Miami Marlins could make this offseason to contend in 2022.

2. Trade for a Star CF

The second move that the Marlins could make is one that has already been talked about often this offseason, trading for a star centerfielder.

With no clear-cut starter set in centerfield at the moment, this is the one position that Miami still needs to address this offseason. As for potential options, there are three clear names in Cedric Mullins, Ketel Marte, and Bryan Reynolds, each of which the Marlins have what it takes to get a deal done.

Coming off MLB’s lone 30/30 season in 2021, Mullins would arguably be the most-intriguing option, while both Marte and Reynolds are coming off season’s that included a .900+ OPS. In addition to those three, Ramon Laureano could also be a name to watch if the Athletics begin to make moves.

Not only would any of the those three give the Marlins a star-caliber centerfielder in 2022, but would also give Miami a long-term option at the position going forward.

Filling centerfield will likely be the biggest move still to come for the Marlins this offseason, and when looking at the free agent options, it seems increasingly likely that a trade happens at some point. When filling centerfield as well, if the club were to trade for any of Mullins, Marte, or Reynolds, it would undoubtedly be a move ready to contend right now.

1. Sign a Superstar Big Bat

The final move that the Miami Marlins could make is one that you could also argue is the most unlikely to happen, but is still fun to speculate on. Could Miami potentially sign one of the superstar free agent hitters available?

While many of the top names in free agency are still available, it seems unlikely that the Marlins would go after a shortstop such as Carlos Correa or Trevor Story, but what about another infielder in Kris Bryant? While you could make the argument that Miami doesn’t need to add to the infield, if they did however, third base seems like the most-likely spot.

The more-likely addition when it comes to the top free agents is in the outfield, with Kyle Schwarber arguably the most-likely to happen. Coming off his first All-Star appearance in 2021, Schwarber would give Miami a left-handed power bat, and is something that has been talked about before.

In addition to Schwarber, another signing that would help Miami to contend in 2022 is Nick Castellanos. The south Florida native is undoubtedly one of the top bats available on the market, and is coming off a phenomenal 2021 season that included a .309/.362/.576 slash line with a career-high 34 home runs and 100 RBI’s.

While there is obviously no guarantee that any of these moves may happen, it’s clear the impact that any of them would bring. As the Miami Marlins continue to add this offseason, could they potentially make any of these three moves to help contend in 2022?