Marlins, Schumaker watching non-roster invitees closely

JUPITER, FL—Every spring, in addition to 40-man roster players, MLB clubs bring some of their minor league players to spring training as non-roster invitees. In most cases, NRIs consist of players with the potential to make a big league impact shortly that the team wants to take a closer look at and younger minor league players the team would like to learn from exposure to a preseason big league experience. For Skip Schumaker and his staff, they are treating NRIs the same way they are treating everyone else in camp and the 26-man roster is not yet set.

“Just because you aren’t on the 40-man roster doesn’t mean we’re not taking a real look,” Schumaker said. 

The Marlins manager corroborates this almost daily. Once big league workouts are done, NRIs are sent to get at-bats during minor league scrimmage games. On Thursday afternoon, Schumaker was present to watch Will Banfield, Bennett Hostetler, Jacob Berry and Javier Sanoja (the youngest NRI in camp) take some live at-bats. With the big league staff looking on, Banfield doubled and Hostetler recorded two hits.

“There’s guys that are interesting, no doubt about it.” Schumaker said.

Schumaker went into detail on a few of his NRIs that he is looking forward to getting a closer look at when spring training games commence. The first name mentioned was Trey Mancini. A seven-year MLB veteran, Mancini is a .263/.328/.448 career bat who plays both first base and corner outfield. He’s struggled offensively in recent years, but Schumaker believes the rest of his career speaks for itself.

“He was a very good player for a lot of years,” Schumaker said. “Good right-handed bat, veteran player, great guy, great story. I’m looking forward to seeing him. He’s looked good so far out there.”

Another name mentioned by Schumaker was that of the reigning Marlins Minor League Player of the Year, Troy Johnston. Despite a loud 2023, Johnston hasn't been rewarded with a promotion yet. Schumaker related Johnston’s experience this offseason to his own as he was developing as a player.

“I remember when I was in AA and led the Southern League, went to Venezuela, led the league there, didn’t get protected,” Schumaker said. “I also wasn’t picked up by the other 29 teams and made my debut the following year.”

“He had a great AA/AAA season. So we will see what happens there.”

A third name mentioned by Schumaker was catcher Curt Casali. Another vet, Casali is a career .220/.314/.380 bat known well for his defense. In 40 games past season, Casali had a 0.5 dWAR, adding to his career total of 4.2 and a 32% caught stealing percentage. He also carries a 19 in the career defensive runs saved department.

Schumaker didn’t forget about his NRI hurlers. There are seven in camp: Elvis Alvarado, Matt Andriese, Luarbert Arias, Yonny Chirinos, Jeff Lindgren, Patrick Monteverde, Devin Smeltzer and Kyle Tyler. In Skip’s experience, guys like this come ready to impress.

“There’s always an NRI pitcher that surprises you,” Schumaker said. “I’m hoping and looking forward to one or two NRI arms that surprised us that make our decision really tough at the end of spring training.”

The Marlins did not have an NRI crack the Opening Day roster in 2023. Shawn Armstrong was the last to do it when he made the Marlins’ bullpen out of spring training in 2022.

The Marlins begin their spring training slate this Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. With major league regulars being eased into game action, the club should start to get a good look at these names starting immediately.