A playoff cheat code that helps the Miami Marlins

This season didn't go as well as expected for the Miami Marlins. There's also not much optimism for the team to spend money going forward. All of that said, there are some positive news for next season. There's also extra help for The Fish next season, that help comes in the form of the third National League Wild Card spot. Why? There are a couple of good reasons...

The Miami Marlins can get into the playoffs next season with some luck and good moves.

There are some good news for next season. The Miami Marlins will be getting not one but THREE top of the rotation starting pitchers back from injury. I'm of course talking about Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez and Jesus Luzardo. Now I should point out that they will be on inning limits and there could be complications coming back right away. Sandy however is already ready to pitch and effectively to say the least.

The Fish made the playoffs last season with an 84-78 record. If it wasn't for all of the injuries, the record this season would've been better, and the team would not have lost as much. What's important here, is that the threshold for getting into the playoffs has never been lower. The 2017 Minnesota Twins got in as the second Wild Card team in the American League with just 85 wins. This was even before the third Wild Card.

Both the Miami Marlins and the Milwaukee Brewers got into the playoffs last season with 84 wins. The Tampa Bay Rays got the third American League Wild Card spot in 2022 with 86 wins. It can take as little as being 6 games above .500 to make the playoffs in some seasons. That's very encouraging news going forward.

It makes one think why it can't happen again? Some good roster moves and some luck and the Miami Marlins could easily be in playoff contention in 2025. Being in contention for the third Wild Card spot is hardly a major accomplishment these days. Better health, better luck and there's no reason why The Fish can't be in the mix.