As reported by Christina de Nicola, Spring Training for the 2025 season will somehow begin next week. Although pitchers and catchers begin workouts in Jupiter, FLA, there is still a considerable amount of uncertainty about Miami's roster. After Braxton Garrett was reported out of the season due to UCL surgery, the most common question is whether the FO will bring an innings-eater Starter, with potential candidates on the menu. Another approach is to bring an expensive contract from other team. Lastly, some consider (a.k.a The Ownership, apparently) that there is enough SP depth to cope with the full season. While this is clearly the most pressing need for the roster, is it the only one? Let's have a quick look at how the roster is as of today and what are the areas of improvement.

5th Starter

Let's get over it first. The current 40-man roster has 20 pitchers and 20 position players. Soon enough, the roster spots for Garrett and Pérez would be vacant, as they will be transferred to the 60-day IL. That would (hopefully) make it easier to bring some help to the arm corps: Sandy, Weathers, Cabrera, Meyer are more-or-less ticketed to begin the season in the rotation.

The front runners for that last spot are Bellozo, Mazur, Curry, and even Gillispie. After them, Snelling and Fulton are considered long shots, given lack of experience in the upper minors or recent injuries. NRIs with starter experience are Tarnok, Piña, Roa, and Monteverde. Some other Free Agents still worth a shot, at least as NRIs: Clevinger, Germán, DeSclafani, and why not Ureña or even Noah Syndergaard.

On personal note, I have no problem on letting Bellozo take the 5th spot, but maybe bringing someone on an incentive-loaded, split contract would be wise. Also, the idea of bringing an "expensive contract" is actually good, but if I'm the Yankees, D'backs, or Phillies, I would wait until late in Spring Training to get rid of them... You never know when injuries are going to come up.

Catcher

And I don't mean back-up catcher. I mean a catcher who can battle for the starting role, as I'm losing faith in Fortes. Hicks has no experience above AA, Ramírez still can't catch at MLB level, and none of the NRI group: Brantly, Mack, Ignoffo, Hostetler are a real threat to Nick. It is not a whole lot better looking at the FA list, although Grandal makes some sense.

First Base

Bride and Mervis are the only ones capable of playing the position. We don't know which version of Bride we'll get next season, and Mervis has more questions than answers during his short MLB career. As much as I like De Los Santos, he needs more seasoning in AAA to cut down his free swing. Agustín Ramírez looks more focused on playing behind the plate than to become a full-time 1B. I've already lost all faith in the Marlins giving Johnston a chance in the big leagues. Best "cheap" Free Agent available: Gavin Sheets, Rizzo... maybe José Abreu?

Glove-First SS/2B

I am convinced the Marlins should give this role to Otto López and bring a quality 3B. Even though López had a terrific second-half last season, I still don't see him as a starter. Edwards need to keep improving his defense to stick at SS. For the moment, Sanoja is the incumbent in the role, but his contributions last year were far from desirable. Acosta, Serna, and NRI Simón are behind him. If the Marlins want to bring a FA, the few options are José Iglesias, or maybe Brendan Rodgers.

This is once again wishful thinking. I don't see Bendix very much active in the Free Agent market if uncle Bruce don't open his wallet.