Top 3 storylines entering Marlins spring training

With organized spring training activities about to begin, here are the top three storylines to follow throughout Miami Marlins camp. 

What will post-TJ Sandy Alcantara look like? 

All indications point toward the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner taking the mound for the Marlins in their season opener against the Pirates on March 27. Following arguably the greatest-pitched season in franchise history, 2023 was an uneven year for Miami’s ace despite leading the league in complete games. The Dominican right-hander posted a 7-12 record with a 4.14 ERA across 28 starts before being shut down in late September due to a right forearm strain. Subsequently, Alcantara underwent Tommy John surgery on October 6, 2023, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. 

Alcantara resumed his throwing program last March and participated in live batting practice sessions in September at loanDepot park. Following a traditional offseason throwing program, all eyes will be on him when he makes his Grapefruit League debut. “Normal offseason, non-stop working every day and just trying to get better,” said Alcantara at Friday's Media Day.

Suppose he can provide the Marlins with something between his ‘22 and ‘23 seasons. In that case, they will have one of baseball’s premier starting pitchers in their rotation again and potentially the crown jewel of the 2025 trade deadline. Alcantara is in the fourth year of the five-year, $56M extension he signed before the 2022 season. 

Prospects galore!

The Marlins have a promising crop of prospects set to attend big league camp, with several players expected to make their MLB debuts during the upcoming season. Among those joining camp are catchers Agustín Ramírez (ranked #4 by Fish On First) and Joe Mack (#11), first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos (#5), shortstop Jared Serna (#8), left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling (#6), right-handed pitcher Adam Mazur (#10) and many more.

Ramírez, De Los Santos, Serna, Snelling and Mazur were all acquired at the 2024 trade deadline and finished the season with Triple-A Jacksonville. Mazur got his first taste of the majors with the San Diego Padres last season, making eight starts. 

Acquired as the centerpiece in the trade for Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ramírez’s bat is major league-ready. However, concerns remain about his defense, with one team source stating to Fish On First, “he’s not a catcher.” Rule 5 Draft pick Liam Hicks will presumably back up Nick Fortes to begin the regular season, but it's only a matter of time before Ramírez forces his way into the Marlins lineup, whether that be at DH, first base or behind the plate.

While Matt Mervis and Jonah Bride are expected to see most of the playing time at first base initially, De Los Santos is undoubtedly a candidate who will be up sooner rather than later. Across Double-A and Triple-A, De Los Santos slashed .294/.343/.571 in 2024, including 40 home runs and 120 RBI.

What impact can the new coaching staff make? 

After an extensive search, the Miami Marlins hired former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough as the 17th manager in franchise history. McCullough succeeds Skip Schumaker, the 2023 NL Manager of the Year. This marks McCullough’s first MLB managerial role and his staff boasts a similarly inexperienced group of coaches, with most assuming their respective roles for the first time. 

Regardless, McCullough is focused on establishing clear expectations for his team entering camp. “We want our players to be open-minded and understand that each day presents an opportunity for individual development and growth as a ballplayer,” said McCullough

Notably, this coaching staff has less combined major league playing experience than any other in the league. However, McCullough and his staff aren't concerned. “Our job as staff members is to provide the type of coaching and information that makes guys better and create an environment that guys look forward to coming to."

Although position players have yet to report, first base/infield coach Tyler Smarslok has already hit the ground running with infielders Connor Norby and Xavier Edwards. “Tyler (Smarslok) is going to do great things,” McCullough said. "We know Norby is highly motivated, and the ability is there, He's an exceptional athlete." Additionally, Edwards dedicated the offseason to strengthening his arm. “I’ve been doing this throwing program for three months and my shoulder finally feels healthy. It’s a huge sigh of relief to come into a season with a healthy arm,” said Miami’s shortstop.