Josh Simpson gunning for spot in Marlins bullpen

JUPITER, FL—With Steven Okert being traded to the Twins and A.J. Puk being stretched out as a starting pitcher, 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 handle high-leverage situations for Skip Schumaker, but there will inevitably be matchups in the middle innings that are best suited for a lefty. Marlins 2019 amateur draft selection out of Columbia University, Josh Simpson, is making his case to earn that job 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. He was 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 17. Simpson was just a spectator as the Marlins made it all the way to the NL Wild Card Series. 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." 

Simpson stole the show during Monday morning's live batting practice in Jupiter, showing off some nasty sinkers and a breaking ball that froze Nick Gordon. He threw 20 pitches in the 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 secondary pitches. 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."

Last season with Triple-A Jacksonville, Simpson posted a 4.19 ERA in 34 ⅓ innings pitched while striking out 37.6% of his opponents. He held left-handed batters to a .226 batting average and zero home runs.

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."