Why the Miami Marlins are building an offense that mirrors the 2015 Champion Kansas City Royals

Early returns on the Miami Marlins’ rebuild have revealed a surprising trend. President Peter Bendix clearly values high-power bats, targeting players like Agustín Ramírez, Deyvison De Los Santos, Matt Mervis, Kyle Stowers, Connor Norby, and others.

However, recent developments suggest the future of the Fish may also hinge on elite speed and athleticism. If both of these trends hold true, the next era of Marlins baseball could closely resemble the offense that propelled the 2015 Kansas City Royals to a World Series title.

The 2015 Royals were defined by their blazing speed. Once they reached base—by hit, walk, error, bunt, or any other means—they became a nightmare. Baserunners would steal second base with ease, and a simple single was often enough to bring them home. It was relentless, high-pressure baseball that overwhelmed pitchers and defenses alike.

Speedster Lorenzo Cain was the chief catalyst, posting a team-high 28 stolen bases. The Marlins have a similar weapon in infielder Xavier Edwards, who has the potential to easily double Cain’s total.

Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar was another vital cog in the Royals’ basepath chaos. Otto Lopez has flashed comparable speed and could emerge as a modern-day version of Escobar.

Outfielders Alex Gordon and Álex Ríos weren’t big base stealers, but their quickness made them dangerous going first-to-third or second-to-home. They were also elite defenders. The Marlins’ own outfield core—Derek Hill, Dane Myers, Kyle Stowers, and Griffin Conine—brings a similar defensive prowess and athleticism to the table.

Importantly, the Royals supplemented their speed-centric identity with legitimate power. Third baseman Mike Moustakas (22 HR), DH Kendrys Morales (22), catcher Salvador Pérez (21), and first baseman Eric Hosmer (18) gave Kansas City enough slugging to balance their offensive attack.

The Marlins’ current infield is similarly built. Connor Norby (3B), Deyvison De Los Santos (DH), Agustín Ramírez (C), and Matt Mervis (1B) all have the potential to provide power from key positions. Development will be critical. De Los Santos and Mervis must refine their plate discipline, and Ramírez must stick behind the plate. But the blueprint is clear: Miami is building toward a Royals-like model.

There’s even more speed coming through the pipeline. Prospects like Dillon Head (70-grade speed), Starlyn Caba (60), Javier Sanoja (60), Andres Valor (60), and Andrew Pintar (60) all possess above-average to elite wheels, according to scouting reports. The upside is real.

It’s also worth noting that the 2015 Royals succeeded despite having a relatively unspectacular starting rotation. While pitchers like Edinson Vólquez, Yordano Ventura, Jeremy Guthrie, Johnny Cueto, and Danny Duffy brought some flair, none were true aces.

The 2025 (and beyond) Marlins have a significant edge in this area, with high-upside arms like Eury Pérez, Thomas White, and—if he’s retained—former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.

Even if this Marlins squad falls short of replicating the full offensive firepower of the 2015 Royals, becoming 80% of that club—combined with superior pitching—could be enough to make serious postseason noise.

Peter Bendix is building something fascinating in Miami. If everything breaks right, the next great Marlins team might just resemble the World Champion Kansas City Royals.