Is an offseason break-up between Marlins, Jorge Soler inevitable?

[Ely Sussman]

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[Guest THOMAS JOSEPH]

No argument with your best-case scenario although I suspect there will be no playoffs this year. It was untenable to trade Soler at the deadline, but it will be one of those hindsight discussions fans always have. With a WC slot in play, trading him would have destroyed Sherman's reputation restoration attempt, well underway with his willingness to take on more payroll for the run. I'm fine with letting someone else pay him $50+ million as he ages. The Marlins have too many needs and the diminished farm system you noted. They will also face a retooled Mets team next year, so it certainly will be no easier next season to earn a WC spot.

[Guest kommenter]

Two issues with this article. First, in fact every Marlin free agent has lived up to the terms of their contract. The only player in recent memory not to do so was Victor Victor Mesa. Contracts cannot and do not require certain levels of performance, only that the player shows up (and perhaps refrain from dangerous activities like boating while high on coke), and he has fulfilled this. In fact, Soler has exceeded the terms of his contract as the article states and has qualifies for a number of incentives.

Secondly, its not serious journalism to siggest that Sherman might offer $20 million to a player. Just like Loria after the 2012 season, Sherman opened his wallet against his better judgement and got burned. Badly burned. Just as Loria never spent again, neither will Sherman.

[Ely Sussman]

Team payroll increased about $20 million per year from 2021 to 2022 and again from 2022 and 2023 (when accounting for the trade deadline additions). Will that trend continue for another year? I expect not, but it'll be ultimately determined by how they finish the season standings-wise and attendance-wise (and what more they learn about the future of their local TV situation).