Pablo Lopez’s arbitration with the Miami Marlins proves a need for an extension

Neil Raymond

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 02: Pablo Lopez #49 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at loanDepot park on May 02, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The Miami Marlins finally settled with ace Pablo Lopez on his 2022 salary, after an arbitration ruling today. Lopez filed for $3 million, but Miami offered him $2.45 million and the arbitrator sided with The Fish. I think that it’s time to extend him instead.

Pablo Lopez is a building block for the next contending Miami Marlins team.

Pablo Lopez emerged as an ace for The Fish in 2020 with 5-5 and a 3.07 ERA/3.29 FIP in 20 starts and 102.2 innings. He followed that this season with a 1.57 ERA/2.29 FIP in 8 starts and 46 innings. He’s an ace and it’s time to lock him up with an extension as soon as possible.

The Miami Marlins proved that spending is no longer an issue by locking up SP Sandy Alcantara before the season. Why not lock up Lopez as well to have two aces under control long-term? At the very least it’s worth trying to find out if he will sign.

There are other reasons for why it makes sense for the Miami Marlins to extend Pablo Lopez. It will show the fans that The Fish mean business and keep out stars. It also shows a willingness to win that is vital for the franchise to become a financial juggernaut. Miami has a rising population and is rapidly becoming a center in tech and finance.

The better the Miami Marlins play, the more new fans are created and the more income the team receives. All of that starts with locking up talent and one of those talented players is Pablo Lopez. It’s just the smart move to make. Will this arbitration loss affect Lopez’s decision? Most likely not, but offering him an extension will surely resolve any I’ll will that he might hold against the team.

The Miami Marlins saved some money winning our arbitration case with Pablo Lopez, now it’s time to give him an extension and continue locking up our core. It will excite and grow the fan base and help the team win. It’s time for Pablo Lopez to get the recognition that he so rightly deserves.

Neil Raymond

Neil Raymond has been a lifelong Miami Marlins fan, with the 2003 playoff run being one of his favorite childhood memories. Neil has been called a "walking encyclopedia" for his knowledge of MLB statistics and the sport's history. He follows every game and actually invented his own statistic for player value on his side project BaseballAnalyzed.com. Writing for Fansided's Marlin Maniac since 2022, he also loves Fantasy Baseball and as such is an FSWA member. Neil also loves to travel, read and follow "Futbol" teams: Germany, Argentina, Greece, Inter Miami, Bayern Munich and NYC FC.