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 Infield:

Luis Arraez, the 2023 NL Batting Champ, had a historic run in the regular season, batting .400 through the All-Star break. The back-to-back champion became the second player in MLB history to hold the batting title in both leagues. He will be the mainstay in Miami’s infield. 

Jake Burger, a former first-round pick, was a huge help to Miami, hitting .250 with 34 homers and a .828 OPS. Burger has four years remaining on his contract and won’t be a free agent until the 2028 season. 

After Jean Segura’s failed campaign, the Marlins acted accordingly and traded him to the Guardians and received Josh Bell. Bell, who is expected to exercise his player option, will return to first next year. Bell batted .270/.480/.818 for the Marlins after his slow start to the season. There’s no clear sign if Bell’s offensive production will continue in 2024. Bell will most likely be a DH, replacing Jorge Soler.

The next question is, who will be the starting shortstop in Miami? The Marlins have been seeking a shortstop for the next season. Joey Wendle will become a free agent at the end of the season and had a lackluster season in Miami. Utility player Jon Berti batted .294/.344/.748 and saw time in both the infield and the outfield. Trading someone with Berti’s slash line may seem farfetched, but it may help Miami to trade Berti for a veteran arm or a veteran slugging catcher to help the young rotation. 

The incoming front office should take a peek at free agency and consider signing another utility player in Kike Hernandez or Trevor Story. Hernandez's AAV would be around $6,000,000. The veteran utility man can split time at short with Garret Hampson. It should give enough time for Jacob Amaya to get at-bats in AAA before being called up. 

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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