The Miami Marlins core is looking a lot better than expected

The Miami Marlins are building a team that will annually contend for the playoffs. It's only a matter of time, as Peter Bendix brings his Tampa Bay Rays strategies to The Fish. We're now getting a better feel for who are the core players for the next contending Fish team. The players who can be built around and who will lead the next Marlins dynasty...

Who are the Miami Marlins core players?

The list starts off with DH/1B/3B Jake Burger. The power hitter has been truly special as of late and due to being under team control via arbitration through the 2028 season, there's no reason to worry about him being traded. You have to have core hitters and Burger seems just the type. He's a legit 30 home run bat who can carry the team with his elite power.

Another core player is currently injured starting pitcher Eury Perez. The former top prospect is still projected to be a long-term ace for The Fish. Having him back next season will be very important and he's under team control via arbitration through the 2029 season. This also makes it pretty clear that he's not in danger of being traded anytime soon.

Yet another core starting pitcher is of course Ryan Weathers. He broke out this season, finally living up to his former top prospect status. He's under team control via arbitration through the 2028 season. This makes him a long-term piece and a major part of the team's rotation going forward.

Another core starting pitcher is Sandy Alcantara. The Miami Marlins already made it clear that he won't be traded this off-season, though sadly the Trade Deadline next season is a possibility. He's under contract for $17.5 million a season for the next two seasons. There's a $21 million team option on him for the 2027 season. He's a former NL Cy Young award winner, who has been the face of the franchise. It would be terrible for him to be traded.

There are other players who could end up as core players...2B Connor Norby, LF Kyle Stowers and RF Jesus Sanchez all immediately come to mind. At the end of the day, the Miami Marlins have the makings of a dynasty right here.