Josh Simpson gunning for a potentially open spot in the big league bullpen.

[Noah Berger]

With a spot in the Marlins bullpen open for another left-handed pitcher, this 2019 Marlins draft selection out of Columbia University is gunning for a chance to break camp with the big league club. 

JUPITER, FL—With Steven Okert being traded to the Twins and A.J. Puk gunning for a spot in the starting rotation, that seemingly leaves an open slot for another left-handed pitcher in the Marlins bullpen going into 2024. Andrew Nardi and Tanner Scott will most likely spend most of their time pitching in high-leverage innings for Skip Schumaker, leaving space for a lefty setup/long reliever. Marlins' 2019 amateur draft selection out of Columbia University, Josh Simpson, seems poised to snatch that spot up as Spring Training games get closer and closer. 

The 26-year-old out of Stafford, CT, got a sniff of the big leagues last season, getting called up by the Marlins on September 12, 2023, while the team was in Milwaukee to face the Brewers. He never got the chance to make his debut on the mound before being optioned back to Jacksonville on September 17th. He then was given the chance to experience playoff baseball as he was called up to join the Marlins for the wild card series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He again was not given a chance to pitch. He said of the playoff atmosphere, "You kind of crave that atmosphere and just see those guys perform every day and in that environment. It was something I thought about every night during this offseason." 

He stole the show today during Live BP this morning in Jupiter, showing off some nasty sinkers and an off-speed pitch that froze Nick Gordon. He threw 20 pitches in today's session, mixing in all of his pitches. He mentioned he wants to work his changeup in a little more this year and said it's been a project he's been working on this offseason. 

Pitching Coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. has talked with him a lot about trusting his fastball more and allowing that to give him more opportunities to throw guys off their rhythm with the off-speed and the breaking balls. He said of the fastball, "I know if I have that in the zone with confidence and conviction, then I think I can definitely compete and help the team win." 

When asked about the potential openings in the Marlins bullpen and how it changes his approach to spring training this year, Simpson responded, "I try to keep the same mindset. Every camp is me trying to go about my business the right way and taking care of what I can control." 

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