Miami Marlins Need To Give Fans A Boost Before Opening Day

Opening Day is less than a week away...and the Miami Marlins are putting fans to sleep.

That might be a bit harsh, and probably comes off as outright outlandish if you're giving the franchise full credit for the adrenaline ride that was the World Baseball Classic. Yet I'd argue that no matter how much love was just foisted upon loanDepotPark and the South Florida baseball loving community, the Miami Marlins have been far too quiet this offseason.

No one has really taken a massive leap this spring. No signing or trade has moved the needle since before back before Christmas when the Marlins added Pete Fairbanks. The biggest hole on Miami's roster- first base- is showing every sign of remaining a very big hole. Honestly, the most optimistic thing that has happened for the Marlins since the Fairbanks signing is the rampant speculation that a salary cap and floor will be coming to a MLB near you in 2027, meaning brighter days should be ahead for Miami's free agency prospects.

Bottom line? This Miami Marlins franchise is in serious need of a shot in the arm. Some kind of boost heading into the season to get fans locked back in on the potential of this 2026 squad.

But how can Miami manage that this close to Opening Day? Fortunately, no trips to the multiverse or time travel are needed. Plenty of options are available to the franchise and most of them don't even involve any kind of significant capital investment on the Marlins part.

The easiest path? Play the youth card. It's not too late for the Marlins to change their mind about not starting the year with Robby Snelling on the Opening Day roster. Snelling has easily been the most interesting arm in the back of the rotation this spring, and without question has the most upside. With nothing left to prove in the minors, all Miami has to gain here is fan goodwill and an extra draft pick when Snelling pulls down Rookie of the Year honors. At any rate, that's how they announce the change of heart.

If not that, why not an extension? Next Wednesday or Thursday would be the perfect time to announce a long-term commitment to one or two of their bright young stars. Jakob Marsee, Eury Perez, Agustin Ramirez, Kyle Stowers...the Marlins could take their pick here. Even locking up their middle infield duo of Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez at controllable prices for the next few years could get the job done in this regard. There's nothing Marlins fans want more than to see the franchise make this kind of on the field financial investment in the team. There's no better time than right now.

Lastly? The Marlins could always make an eleventh hour trade.

The Christopher Morel experience has shown no sign of working. It might have been worth the roll of the dice at the start of the offseason but there just isn't any evidence for things turning around that isn't two years old. Why not swing a deal for a more productive cornerman? Ideally one that has played first base before? Landing even a Ryan Mountcastle right about now would be a borderline thunderbolt. But it just goes to show how the first base battle has gone that even bringing Troy Johnston home would be viewed warmly.

Or maybe it's not first base at all, but a surprise move for the back of the rotation or the bullpen.

All I know is the Marlins would be wise to do something beyond promoting those sweet new teal jerseys before first pitch next Friday.