Marlin Maniac
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The top 5 starting pitcher seasons in Miami Marlins history

By Neil Raymond

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 27: A general view of the new Marlins logo in the outfield during 2019 Workout Day at Marlins Park on March 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 27: A general view of the new Marlins logo in the outfield during 2019 Workout Day at Marlins Park on March 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Josh Johnson
ATLANTA – AUGUST 29: Pitcher Josh Johnson #55 of the Florida Marlins throws a pitch during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on August 29, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-6. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

#4. Josh Johnson in 2010

In another sad occurrence, the Miami Marlins had another ace who never had the long-term impact that he should have. Josh Johnson luckily didn’t pass away, but in his case, it was untimely injuries that sealed his fate as an ace in the Major Leagues. Josh Johnson seemed to have it all and he was outstanding in that 2010 season, three years before Jose Fernandez put himself on this list.

Josh Johnson had a season to remember, going 11-6 with a 2.30 ERA/2.41 FIP with 9.1 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 28 games and 183.2 innings. It was an outstanding performance and led to him being in the running for the NL Cy Young award. Just like with Fernandez however, the Miami Marlins “wasted” his season by missing the playoffs. The season was worth 7.0 WAR.

Josh Johnson looked as if he would have more great seasons to come, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. 2011 proved to be a success for only 9 games and 60.1 innings, as Josh produced a 3-1 record along with a 1.64 ERA/2.64 FIP and 8.4 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9. It would’ve been another Cy Young quality season, but that’s when injuries ended what looked to be a Hall of Fame career.

Josh Johnson only pitched briefly in the next two seasons (with his final coming with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013. It’s sad to see how much of an effect, injuries can have on careers. Josh Johnson could’ve been a perfect 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation with Jose Fernandez. The two aces together would’ve likely led the Miami Marlins to playoff success and possibly even a World Championship, but alas it was not to be.

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