Miami Marlins veterans will need to lead the playoff push

The Miami Marlins will square off against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2023 MLB playoffs Wild Card round.  There is a vast difference between the two sides in one key area, experience.  Although the Phillies are full of experience from last years’ World Series run the Marlins have a few experienced players as well.  

There are two players who could really go off and make the Phillies regret their first round draw of the Marlins.   The Marlins acquired some great talent at the deadline but can they be an impact in October?  Time will tell but there are a few players that will definitely have a big impact.  

Josh Bell has experience in the playoffs, and not only that but experience facing the Phillies in the playoffs so he is ready for the challenge.  Bell hit .353 against the Phillies last October with 1 home run and 3 RBI.  He was a force against the Phillies and will be once again when the Marlins square off against them. The Phillies will have to develop a strategy to deal with Josh Bell.  

Jorge Soler is another big time issue for opposing teams in the playoffs.  He has played in October three different times and he has put on a power hitting display.  The last postseason he was a part of with Atlanta he hit 3 home runs, 3 doubles, and 6 RBI.  Soler enjoyed the big state even more so, in the World Series he hit 3 home runs, 6 RBI, and batted .300.  I expect big time hits from Soler and if I were the Phillies I would not be looking forward to facing him this go around.  

Yuli Gurriel has the most playoff experience of all and will continue to be a valuable leader in the postseason as he has been all season. Gurriel can help young players settle in and know what to expect from the postseason jitters, and he can be a steady presence off the bench or as a DH. He has played in 85 playoff games over the course of his career and over several seasons. Gurriel hit .347 last post season and had a few big home runs that helped lead the Astros to victory. Gurriel may not be the the same power hitter as before but he will be a great clutch player and the Marlins could use his leadership no doubt. Gurriel hit .316 against the Phillies last year with 1 double and 1 RBI. Let's see that happen again!