The Miami Marlins' Biggest Free Agent

The Miami Marlins returned to the postseason for the first time in two decades - in a non-shortened season. Their postseason journey was cut short after dropping two games to the Phillies in the National League Wild Card Series sweep. The early exit marked the franchise’s first-ever postseason series loss in a non-shortened season.

Kim Ng is Miami's biggest free agent.

In the postgame press conference, Phillies manager Rob Thomason highly praised Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. “I just want to congratulate Miami because they're a really good club, and they did a lot of great things to get into this spot.” Schumaker made his managerial debut with the Marlins this year and compiled an 84-78 record. This season marks the team’s first winning season - in a full 162-game slate - since 2009. 

With Miami’s season officially over, it’s time for Chairman and Principal Owner Bruce Sherman to reflect on the 2023 season and make arguably one of the most important free agent signings in franchise history - resigning Major League Baseball’s first-ever female GM, Kim Ng.

Ng has won over the clubhouse players and Schumaker's trust. "I told her when we hugged on the field, 'Thank you for trusting me,'" Schumaker said. "She could have picked anybody, and she decided to pick me.

Sherman has not given much insight into his plans to resign Ng, whose contract expires after the World Series. "Kim's been fabulous," principal owner Bruce Sherman said. "Not easy being in her role at all. Can you imagine that? First female GM in all of baseball history. Unbelievable. And all the moves, all the trade moves, have been excellent."

With the shocking announcement of the resignation of New York Mets GM Billy Eppler, one has to wonder if David Stearns reached out to Ng. Ng grew up in Queens, NY, and played stickball on the corner of 173rd Street and 65th Avenue. In 1998, she became the youngest assistant general manager after being hired by the New York Yankees. She saw the Yankees win three consecutive World Series titles during her tenure.

After her nine-year stint with the Los Angeles Dodger (2002-2011), Ng accepted a job back in New York as the senior vice president of baseball operations for Major League Baseball. 

Ng was a finalist for the Mets general manager position in 2018 after Sandy Alderson stepped down due to health concerns. However, she would lose the job to Brodie Van Wagenen. During the final week of the MLB season, Ng was traveling with the team and was seen at Citi Field, again advocating for your team after MLB suspended a then-must-win game for the Marlins on Sept. 28.

Since her hiring, it took Ng three years to get the Marlins to the postseason. Ng started to lay the foundation for the Fins after signing 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler. One year later, she would acquire NL’s batting champion Luis Arraez in exchange for right-hander Pablo López, infield prospect José Salas -- previously ranked No. 5 in Miami’s system -- and outfield prospect Byron Chourio. This year, the Marlins were buyers at the trade deadline and picked up a pair of bats (Jake Burger and Josh Bell). After the All-Star break, Miami had the second-best record in the national league, which catapulted them into the playoffs and earned the No.5 seed. 

There has been no word about Kim Ng’s future with the Marlins or baseball. Sherman has yet to comment on his plans for the front office for the 2024 season.