Miami Marlins have a closer in waiting and he will dominate when given the chance

Could a Miami Marlins star have an MVP season in 2024? Maybe. One thing that's for sure, is that The Fish had the best closer in the game in 2023. That's right, Tanner Scott was the best closer in the game and might be one again in 2024. Don't believe me? Just wait... the team also has a nice potential future one in Sixto Sanchez.

The Miami Marlins have an interesting closer in waiting already on the roster.

You might question Tanner Scott being the best closer in the Majors last season. He actually beat Josh Hader in WAR. Hader had 2.4 in 2023. Scott had 3.6. What about Devin Williams? He had 2.6 WAR. Scott is an elite strikeout pitcher, with 12.0 K/9 last season and 12.2 K/9 for his career. The key was cutting down his walk rate from 6.6 in 2022 and 2.8 in 2023.

I fully expect Scott to have a big season, but there is unfortunately an issue. He's a free agent after the season and let's be honest, he probably won't get paid by Bruce Sherman. If The Fish aren't doing good by the Trade Deadline, he will almost certainly be moved for some prospects. This is where Sixto Sanchez comes in.

There's no point to go over Sixto's injury history. He hasn't pitched during the season since 2020 and he seems to be done as a starting pitcher. He's been moved to the bullpen now and it feels permanent. It also feels as if the "endgame" here might be to have him in high leverage spots down the line.

Sixto has been outstanding in Spring Training so far, producing a 0.00 ERA in 6 games and 9.0 innings pitched. He probably won't have an ERA of 0.00 for the whole season, but if he has one below 3.00, he could end up getting those late-game opportunities. With his top prospect pedigree, I can see him taking over for Scott as the closer down the line. If everything works out with him and he can stay healthy as a reliever of course.