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.

3. Sign/Trade for a Closer

The first move that the Miami Marlins could make to contend in 2022 is to add another piece to what is an already strong bullpen, in particular an experienced closer.

Now yes, Miami already has a few internal options who could close games in 2022 such as Dylan Floro and Anthony Bender, as well as a potential dark horse option such as No. 3 prospect Max Meyer. While those three would be strong options, there are two external options that currently stick-out however, both of which you could argue are available for Miami.

The first of those two is three-time All-Star Kenley Jansen, the top free agent reliever currently available on the market. Coming off arguably his best season in recent years (2.22 ERA w/ 38 saves in 2021), the 34-year-old right-hander has spent every year of his 12-year career with the Dodgers, and while there is a possibility Jansen pitches somewhere other than Los Angeles in 2022, the Dodgers seem like the favorite to bring him back.

While there are also other intriguing options via free agency such as Richard Rodriguez and former Marlin Brad Hand, trading for a closer is also a potential option with Craig Kimbrel as the biggest name that could be available. However, while there have been rumors this offseason that the eight-time All-Star could be available, it’s unknown if the White Sox would even consider trading the veteran right-hander.

The Marlins two primary leaders in saves in 2021 (Floro and Yimi Garcia with 15 each) both entered the year having no real previous closing experience. While either of Jansen or Kimbrel would be a phenomenal addition to Miami’s bullpen, acquiring an experienced closer for the late-innings in general would help strengthen an already strong bullpen.

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?