Miami Marlins: 5 bold predictions for the 2023 season
With the 2023 season only days away from officially beginning, let's make a few bold predictions for the Miami Marlins this year.
5 bold predictions for the 2023 Miami Marlins season
1. Sandy Alcantara wins back-to-back NL Cy Young awards
Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was downright dominant at times a year ago, owning a combined 2.28 ERA and 207:50 K:BB ratio across 228.2 IP to become Miami's first Cy Young award winner. There has been only five back-to-back Cy Young winners across the AL and NL combined since 2000, and I'll say that Alcantara could have a good chance to become the sixth later this season, as the Marlins ace should be in contention for the award at-the-least.
2. Eury Perez wins NL Rookie of the Year
Miami's No. 1 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, it feels likely that we see Eury Perez make his highly-anticipated MLB debut at some point within the 2023 season. I'll say that the debut will be sooner rather than later, and Perez quickly cements himself as one of Miami's top starters, ultimately winning the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year.
3. Avisail Garcia hits 20+ HR with an .800+ OPS
While he did struggle at times a year ago by slashing .224/.266/.317 with eight HR across 98 games, Avisail Garcia could be set for a bounce back 2023 in what will be his second season in Miami. As for a prediction, I'll say that Garcia does have a bounce back season, and even potentially rivals his 2021 totals in Milwaukee by hitting at-least 20+ HR with an .800+ OPS.
4. One Marlins offseason addition makes NL All-Star roster
The Miami Marlins made multiple impact moves this offseason, and I'll say that at-least one of those new additions to the roster will make the NL All-Star team this season. As to whom that name is, the likeliest pick is Luis Arraez, who is coming off his first All-Star appearance a year ago with Minnesota.
5. Marlins win at-least 75 games, contend for Wild Card spot
As for the final bold prediction on this list, I'll say that the Marlins win at-least 75 games this season, and will be in contention for a Wild Card spot to make the playoffs. The Marlins have not won 75 games since the 2017 season, as well as only four times since 2010.