How the Miami Marlins could build a contender by re-doing 6 of their offseason Moves

Have you ever seen the Marvel show "What If?..." The premise centers around alternate universes that show how certain events could have unfolded under different circumstances.

Why do I mention a fringe Marvel show as the Miami Marlins' 2025 Spring Training begins? The spirit of this article is to examine what the franchise's offseason could have looked like in an alternate universe where Miami was committed to building an immediate contender.

What if the Marlins focused six of their offseason moves away from revamping their farm system and toward win-now pieces? I believe the franchise could contend for a Wild Card spot this season! Here's the complete playbook:

1) Keep 3B Jake Burger

The Marlins ultimately traded slugger Jake Burger to the Texas Rangers in exchange for a package of underwhelming prospects. In this off-season rewrite, Miami retains its premier power hitter in 2025 and beyond. In this case, they likely transition him to a full-time 1B/DH role.

Fish fans know exactly what Burger would bring to the franchise in 2025. While he is admittedly inconsistent as a hitter, his power is transcendent. When he gets hot at the plate, he has the ability to emerge as one of baseballs best sluggers.

Burger's bat would bring at least 25 home runs to Loan Depot Park. If things broke right, 30+ homers (and even 40+) would be within the realm of possibility.