Why the Miami Marlins could be worse In 2025

As was mentioned here last week, and about every five minutes by someone on social media, the Miami Marlins aren't expected to be particularly good this season.

However, the case was made then that there are causes for optimism, and that the Miami Marlins might actually improve if a few things break their way. Perhaps even dramatically improve.

Unfortunately, that was the best case scenario piece. The worst case, or even just the generally expected case, is far more likely. The case where the Marlins are, once again, embarrassingly bad to a degree worthy of potentially a high draft pick and certainly national mockery.

If their current level of offseason spending is anything to go by, a certain level of futility might even be the hope here. As of this writing, the Miami Marlins have committed to spending as much money in MLB free agency to help the club succeed as you or I have. That could change between now and Opening Day of course, particularly if Miami's signature offensive offseason acquisition makes the team. That would be one Eric Wagaman, who turned the head of at least one MLB executive hitting .250 with a .270 OBP in 72 ABs for the Angels last year. Wagaman would make a cool $770,000 if he did so.

Yet whether Wagaman makes the team or not...the Miami Marlins still would rank dead last amongst all 30 MLB teams in terms of free agent spending the last two offseasons, per BrooksGate. Not that money solves all problems by any stretch (looking at you Avisail Garcia), but such little investment in a deeply flawed roster isn't exactly cause for hope either.

In short, while there really are reasons to be excited about the 2025 Miami Marlins, there are plenty of red flags as well. Some which don't even have to do with the club's seeming willingness to run the risk of censure from MLB over misuse/lack of use of revenue sharing funds in the hopes of obtaining the top pick in the 2026 MLB draft. Obstacles that would be almost insurmountable to overcome.

Such as...