Miami Marlins projected arbitration salaries bring good news

Peter Bendix is going to be busy this off-season looking for a new manager for the Miami Marlins. While the season has ultimately been a disappointment, it did technically end on a high note. As we look ahead towards the off-season, six players will be in line for arbitration raises. We can now make assumptions on who will be tendered a contract and how much.

The Miami Marlins arbitration class doesn't look like an issue.

Right off the bat, the most expensive projected member of the class is starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo. He pitched to a disappointing 5.00 ERA/4.26 FIP, with 7.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 12 games and 66.2 innings pitched. He was largely hampered by injuries and pitched to a 3.48 ERA/3.40 FIP, with 10.6 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 50 games and 279.0 innings pitched over the 2022-2023 seasons. He's projected to earn $6 million, which is a very small raise on his $5.5 million salary from 2024. He's obviously staying.

The next player on the list is catcher Nick Fortes. He batted .227/.259/.318, with 4 home runs and 29 RBI in 110 games and 308 AB in 2024. He made $759,000 in 2024, but is projected to earn $1.6 million in 2025. With a weak free agent catching market and his second-half improvements I expect him to stay.

Next we have Relief Pitcher Anthony Bender. Bender pitched to a 4.08 ERA/2.92 FIP, with 10.0 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 59 games and 53.0 innings pitched. The ERA was underwhelming, but everything else looks very promising, though the walk rate could improve. He's projected for a $1.4 million salary, which is a small bump from his $770 K salary this season. I expect him to stay.

RF Jesus Sanchez is projected for a $3.2 million salary, after making $2.1 million this season. He batted .252/.313/.417, with 18 home runs and 64 RBI in 149 games and 489 AB. Not a very deserved raise, but I suspect he most likely just gets it.

Starting Pitcher Braxton Garrett pitched to a disappointing 5.35 ERA/3.82 FIP, with 8.3 K/9 and 1.0 BB/9 in 7 games and 37.0 innings pitched. He is projected to make $1.8 million, a raise from $764,000 this season. I expect him to stay.

Finally, Starting Pitcher Edward Cabrera pitched to a 4.95 ERA/4.68 FIP, with 10.0 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9 in 20 games and 96.1 innings pitched. He's projected for $2.2 million, which is a big raise over $761,000. I still expect him to get as he has too much potential. There is a chance he gets traded though.

This sums up the Miami Marlins arbitration class for this off-season.