Looking at the 2024 Marlins, they should be fun to watch but questions remain

The Miami Marlins have been a topic of conversation in October after announcing the departure of three-year GM Kim Ng. For owner Bruce Sherman, the search is on to find a president of operations and a GM for Miami.

Looking at the 2024 Marlins, they should be fun to watch but questions remain

Currently, there’s no telling if he will hire a president of operations for next year and fill in the GM void in 2025 or if he plans on hiring two people before spring training opens up on Feb. 24. 

Coincidingly, the reigning Cy Young winner, Sandy Alcantara, announced that he underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the 2024 season. With the critical loss of the Marlins ace, the incoming front office should consider retooling in 2024.

This year, the Marlins exceeded everyone’s expectations after compiling an 84-78 record and returning to the playoffs for the first time in two decades - in a non-shortened season. After a successful season and no current direction from the front office, we take a look at what lies ahead.

The realistic approach is to take a quick peek at the NL East standings. The Braves will most likely return at the top of the table next year. The Phillies aren’t going to lose anyone, with their only key FAs being Aaron Nola. The Mets had an off year but might come back with full force with their unlimited budget - or what seems unlimited. Next year will be an interesting year in the NL East. There’s a possibility we can see four teams from the NL East in the wild card. 

The Outfield: 

The Marlins outfielders’ bats were silent in the postseason, including the former cleanup hitter Bryan De La Cruz, who batted 1-for-6 in the Wild Card Series. De La Cruz has been on a steady decline after his rookie season. This year, he led the team in strikeouts with 142. Marlins would have to weigh his performance in spring training and move on from him. 

Jesus Sanchez and Garret Hampson finished with a 1.6 and 1.3 WAR, respectively. They will provide quality at-bats in the lower half of the lineup. Jazz Chisholm has been battling injuries the past two seasons and is due for a breakout year. The centerfielder underwent toe surgery earlier this month. He is expected to be out for three months before resuming regular baseball activities. When healthy, Jazz can provide good depth in the middle of the order. He finished the 2023 campaign with a 1.2 WAR. 

The Rotation:

With Alcantara out for the 2024 season and without knowing what a 37-year-old Johnny Cueto can bring to the table, the Marlins have to rely on a young rotation. There are two options for the Marlins when it comes to their rotation. They can either fill up their rotation with young arms or sign a low-AAV arm from the plethora of free agents. 

Jesus Luzardo had his best season yet, striking out a career-high 208 batters. The six-foot lefty has a great, commanding fastball and throws a devastating changeup to follow it up. He saw a career-best in wins and innings pitch. He will likely be the ace in the rotation next year.

The Bullpen:

Miami’s bullpen was utilized heavily during the season, tossing over 600 innings. The acquisition of David Roberston was important for the Marlins despite his less-than-successful outings. Robertson has streaky outings and can come back next year ready to reclaim his setup role. Matt Barnes was out for the 2023 season after he underwent surgery on his left hip. The Marlins do have some backend bullpen stars, such as Robertson, AJ Puk, and closer Tanner Scott. Scott was voted the National League Reliever of the Month for September/October.

Andrew Nardi was a workhorse out of the bullpen; he threw 57.1 innings and finished the year with a 2.67 ERA.  The rest of the bullpen is rounded with young stars such as 26-year-old Bryan Hoeing and George Soriano. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut on April 16. 

Despite losing Alcantara, Marlins fans should be optimistic for the 2024 season. Taking a look at other teams who lost their ace, such as the Texas Rangers, they were able to help fill DeGrom’s spot in the rotation. If Miami can trade or sign a veteran pitcher such as Lucas Giolito or maybe even Jack Flaherty, they should have a promising 2024 season.

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