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Blog Entries posted by Hans Herrera

  1. Hans Herrera

    Checking out the Non-tendered List

    By Hans Herrera,


    Blueprint
    After Friday afternoon, the free agent list got longer. The outlet MLB trade rumours published the non-tender player lists for both the National and the American Leagues, and there are names the Marlins should seriously consider to offer a job, at least to my perspective.
    Considering today’s roster and the needs this offseason: CL, LHP reliever, 1B/3B; the names are listed in these same groups from most logical fits to “nice to have”-s. Let’s get it on:
    CLOSER
    Best Option: RHP Jason Foley (Did not play in 2025)
    You won’t find a bona fide closer non-tendered after a season. Provided, and knowing that relievers are volatile, the case with Foley is simple: he was Detroit’s closer in 2024 but got injured this year and did not pitch. Will he be healthy AND closer-worthy next season? Most probably not, but still he’s the best option available.
    Interesting names: Taylor Clarke, Ian Hamilton, Taylor Rashi. Clarke had a solid 2025 and was a surprise seeing his name on the list. Hamilton had a great 2023-2024 period and might be a good comeback candidate. That guy Rashi had very interesting results in a small sample (16 IP, 22 K’s, 1.91 FIP) and even got 2 saves along the way - might be that hidden gem the FO loves to steal from other teams.
    Others to consider: Colin Holderman, Dauri Moreta, Josh Sborz. Everyone here has had at least a good season in the past or one save in their careers.
    LEFT-HANDED PITCHER
    Best Option: John King (4.66 ERA, 48.1 IP, 28 K, 5.00 FIP in 2025)
    There are several names for the best option but I’ll go with King, since he has the longest solid career, with an ERA in the  2.85-4.03 range between 2021 and 2024.
    Interesting Names: Sam Hentges, Tayler Saucedo, Cam Booser. Hentges particularly, had an amazing 2022-2024 run before falling to injuries. The two seasons before this one, Saucedo was a solid, reliable arm in the Mariners’ bullpen.
    Others to consider: Jose Castillo, Tommy Henry, Omar Cruz.
    FIRST BASE/THIRD BASE
    Best Option: 1B/DH Nathaniel Lowe
    As proposed in this article some days ago, he is a professional 1B with a solid record, decent power and great OBP skills.
    Others to consider: Michael Toglia, Tim Elko. The latter is quite an interesting case because of his raw power, but also there is that swing-and-miss concern. Elko would be a cheap addition and can be sent down to the minors.
    OTHER NON-FITS: 
    While no clear path for them on the roster, there are some players who can help the roster in some capacity. For example, Adolis García and Albert Suárez could be comeback player of the year candidates. Andy Ibáñez, Gustavo Campero, Max Kranick, and old friends Sean Reynolds and Will Banfield offer at least depth at their positions.
  2. Hans Herrera
    This entry was not in the plans, as the Marlins entered the offseason firmly convinced they needed an established closer (i.e., no “hidden gem”) for next year. Turns out as of today that they not only still need that closer, but now they’ve lost their best bullpen arm in Ronny Henríquez. Although never truly a closer, Ronny was more a “setup” man and the best performer in high leverage situations.
    Himself a waiver claim, Henríquez came out of nowhere last winter and sized his opportunity. A wild guess is that the Front Office would like to replicate that transaction, so the focus here is to find a group of pitchers that are not drawing much attention, if any, but with a few tweaks could potentially turn into Henriquez-que performances next year.
    My favourite: Rafael Montero
    With a long career stating as a swingman  and after 2019 a full-time average reliever, Montero peaked in 2022 as a fundamental piece of the World Series’ Astros. His stock has crashed right after that, playing for three different clubs this past season. He will probably require a major league contract given his experience, but should be in the $1,5M range.
    So why sign him? Well, as in the previous “hidden gem” post, there is a lot to like under the hood. Just have a look as his Baseball Savant page. The red flag are the walks, but everything else is in the red zone. If the Marlins can build a strategy around his pitch mix usage (particularly his splitter), Montero can be a buy low, high output addition.
    The Injury-prone: Jonathan Loáisiga
    Yankees prospects always come with that extra fanfare when making it to the big leagues. Loáisiga was not the exception. Flashing a high 90s sinker that could blow out batters, fans in The Bronx were really excited about this guy. Unfortunately, major injuries have derailed the career of Nicaraguan-born, and has only managed to pitch in more than 50 games only twice in eight seasons.
    What is to like? He can still throw gas, and his sinker can induce a decent amount of ground balls - I insist with the GB because the infield looks amazing if they play Pauley at third -. I’m not sure how team would evaluate his contract for next season, but given his injury record, shouldn’t come expensive even for Marlins’ standards.
    Who?: Miguel Castro
    Last time Castro had a good season was in 2023 as a member of the Dbacks. He appeared in a league-high 75 games of 4.31-ball. Over the last two seasons, however, he’s been terrible. If the coaching staff can manage to bring his changeup back in the mix, he should be a solid arm for a minor league contract. He’s been around since 2015 and somehow today is only his 31st birthday.
    Old flame: Ryne Stanek
    Despite David Robertson is also a strong candidate in this category, Stanek’s recent woes might bring him back to Miami at a discount. He continues to have two above-average offerings (4FB and SL) and has lots of experience, always useful in a young team.
    Not a free agent, but Edgardo Henríquez
    … not a joke: the Marlins could replace one Henríquez with another. In a stacked LA bullpen that just got stronger signing Edwin Díaz, there won’t be a lot of innings for him next season, barring injuries. In Miami, Henríquez might have a clearer path, and his stuff is solid with a blowout fastball which averages over 100 mph. Bruce can also save some money not having to buy new jerseys for him. The problem is, he won’t come cheap in terms of trade prospects.
  3. Hans Herrera
    It is not a secret that the Marlins have improvement opportunities for relievers, particularly left-handed, both corner infielders, and could use a glove-first OF, even though Sanoja can do the job. It is also not a secret that the ownership is, to put it mildly, reluctant to spend in free agency, for whatever reason. Having said that, allow me to propose a group of low-risk and high-upside lefty FA relievers who might settle for a minor league deal entering next season.
    My favourite: LHP Cionel Pérez
    The Cuban Pérez debuted in 208 as a member of the Astros, pitching only 16.1 innings in three different seasons. Traded to the Reds before the 2021 season, Pérez made 25 appearances with a 6.38 ERA. Cincinnati did not tender him and was claimed by the O's in November that year. Out of nowhere, Pérez pitched incredibly in 2022, throwing 57.2 innings of 1.40 ERA and 2.80 FIP. He regressed in both 2023 and 2024, but always maintained a respectable FIP. This past season, his production plummeted, and the O's granted him free agency a couple of weeks ago. Next year, Pérez will enter his 30-year-old season, and a minor league deal seems the best offer he will get.
    Then why sign him? Looking under the hood, his sinker is still in the 71 percentile (95.6 mph), with xERA (3.93), FIP (5.77), and xBA (.214) all far from his actual 8.31 ERA in 2025; there is quite a lot of upside. Although his K% is under 20%, his GB rate was over 60% and has never been under 51% since becoming a regular in 2021. The Fish will present a great defensive infield with Pauley, López, Edwards, and Wagaman (maybe not him?), and a ground ball specialist can only be beneficial.
    Injury risky: LHP Génesis Cabrera
    If the Marlins don't like to have two Pérez-es, let's try two Cabreras. Early this decade, Cabrera looked like a wild but effective reliever for Saint Louis. Between increased control problems and devastating injuries, his career never took off, even though he looked much better when traded to Toronto in 2023. This season, he pitched for four teams: opened the season with NYM, then CHC, PIT, and closed the season in MIN. He was decent with the Mets, palatable with the Pirates, and horrendous with the other two.
    Why sign him? Again, his Statcast chart doesn't look terrible, except for the huge amount of walks. His only good pitch is his 4-seamer, but not long ago, his cutter and curveball were above-average. Maybe some fine-tuning can unlock his potential, and he's still under 30-yo. Given his injury record and inconsistency, Cabrera probably won't get a major league deal.
    Who?: LHP Sam Long
    Reliever inconsistency personified. Non-tendered by the Royals in November, Long has sandwiched bad and good seasons ever since debuting back in 2021. Have a look at his ERA every year: 5.53 ('21), 3.61, 5.60, 3.16, and 5.36 this year. The same Statcast engine shows quite decent profiles in 2023, and especially 2024. He has changed his repertoire every year, so maybe a more streamlined analysis and focus can help the guy. Why sign him? If the pitching coaches can make this guy replicate his 2024, this signing would be a steal.
    Old flame: LHP Colin Poche
    Poche had a disastrous season this year, but before that, he was a dependable lefty out of the bullpen for Tampa the three years prior, which means Pedro Benditex should know him pretty well. Poche's 2023 Savant page is full of red, and even though his FB was only 92.5 mph, his extension has always been above the 95th percentile. If he can perform somewhere between his 2023 and 2024, you can call him a bargain.
    Not exactly a Free Agent, but: LHP Tim Herrin
    ... wouldn't require a ton of prospects to trade for him with the Guardians. In 2024, Herrin was an extremely underrated, lights-out arm in an otherwise tremendous bullpen corps. He took a big step back this year and ended up being sent down to AAA. There are many interesting things on his Statcast page, even for this "down" year. Why? Again, anything in between his 2025 and 2024 would do just fine, but if he can approach his output to the latter, that would be the steal of the decade along with Henríquez.
  4. Hans Herrera

    Yet another Offseason Blueprint

    By Hans Herrera,


    Blueprint
    One week ago, Ely started this fun exercise where everyone can see what the wish list looks like for the Marlins this offseason, and I promised my own version of it. Last week, I was away on holiday and didn't have the time to write it down. During the week, many roster moves happened, the most commented - and probably unpopular - was Troy Johnston claimed off waivers by the Rockies. Yesterday, I found that M.J.S. posted his own Blueprint. Now it's my turn, and once again, I do this with my wishes, but always hand in hand with what I think is realistic, both when it comes to trade proposals and budget spending.
    40-man roster crunch:
    For the most part, this already happened. But let's recap the roster moves:
    Roster Transactions:
    - The Baltimore Orioles claimed RHP George Soriano off waivers from the Miami Marlins. The Colorado Rockies claimed 1B/OF Troy Johnston off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
    - RHP Zach Brzykcy was claimed off waivers from the Washington Nationals.
    - RHP Christian Roa, 2B Jack Winkler, RHP Tyler Zuber, RHP Jesús Tinoco, C Brian Navarreto, RHP Valente Bellozo, and RHP Freddy Tarnok were outrighted to Jacksonville. All of them elected free agency and can now sign with any club.
    - Miami Marlins activated RHP Max Meyer, LHP Andrew Nardi, RHP Anthony Bender, and LHP Braxton Garrett from the 60-day injured list.
    The 40-man roster as of today, Monday, 10th Nov 2025:
    Pitchers:
    Alcántara, Bachar, Bender, Brzykcy, Cabrera, Faucher, Fulton, Garrett, Gibson, Gusto, Henríquez, Junk, Mazur, Meyer, Nardi, Pérez, Petersen, Phillips, Simpson, Weathers.
    Position Players:
    Hicks, Ramírez, Acosta, De Los Santos, Edwards, López, Norby, Pauley, Sanoja, Serna, Wagaman, Conine, Hernández, Marsee, Mesa Jr., Myers, Stowers, Wiemer.
    That's 38 players. The next important date for the Marlins' roster is the 21st of November, which is the Non-tender deadline. This one is tricky because of health concerns; Nardi is a non-tender candidate. On the other hand, his salary projection is barely above the minimum ($800k), and given his past success and the lack of lefties in the bullpen, it might be worth taking the shot. It all depends on his health, and the organisation is quite adamant about sharing his status. I would not tender him. The roster goes down to 37 players.
    Rule-5 draft:
    Select C Joe Mack, RHPs Josh White, and William Kempner to the 40-man roster. Near-obvious moves given the quality displayed in AAA last year, both Mr Sussman and DJS agreed here. The roster is full now. Here is where things get interesting.
    It's Trade Season:
    - LHP Braxton Garrett and INF Connor Norby for RHP Juan Mejía and LHP Michael Prosecky from Colorado. Makes sense for both sides because the Rockies need all the SPs they can get, even with the huge health concerns that come with Garrett. They also need corner infielders, and after grabbing Johnston last week, Norby would be a good complement. Mejia is a high-octane reliever with only one year of service, with a FB-SL combo, and Prosecky is an AA lefty who has starting experience, but projects as a bullpen arm and can make the big leagues as soon as next season. Given the projected heavy-lefty lineup, the roster would need a RH bat...
    - LHP Ryan Weathers and Anthony Bender for 3B/1B Coby Mayo and OF Austin Overn from Baltimore. How about giving another shot to this recently successful trade partnership? It should be pretty much the same trade as the win-win Norby-and-Stowers-for-Rogers trade. Baltimore will be hesitant to part ways with Mayo, but their roster already features a solid infield, and they have to give Basallo most reps at 1B. Mayo has always projected a higher ceiling than Norby, even at the expense of more swing-and-miss, but also more plate discipline. He is a below-average defender at 3B, but has a great arm, and the glove can improve (I bet he would be better than Norby anyway). Despite Baltimore's depth chart featuring eight starters, only Dean Kremer threw more than 120 innings last year, and he is more of a 5th starter. Overn is a glove-first CF playing double AA, and is basically a throw-in. Alternative: A trade for 3B Sal Stewart from CIN.
     
    The roster sits now at 38 players.
    For the love of god, can we sign a couple of free agents?
    - Sign RHP Ryan Helsley at the same contract, but probably a couple more million the first year.
    - Sign 1B Lewin Diaz to an incentive-loaded 2-year MLB guarantee contract ($5M the first year with up to $2M in incentives based on HRs, $7M second for the second year), with an opt-out option after the 1st year. This is basically replacing Johnston’s spot for a Gold Glove-calibre 1B, who just hit 50 HRs in Korea. If he can translate at least 20 of those against MLB pitching, the sign will be a bargain. One can dream about a Mack-Diaz-Edwards-Mayo/Pauley-López infield that would be very much appreciated by the entire pitching staff.
     
    - Sign LHP José Quintana to a $5M one-year deal. This signing makes sense from many perspectives. After trading both lefties in the rotation, one veteran southpaw could be useful. Also, the contract is basically the same money as the projected arbitration salaries for Bender, Garrett, and Weathers. On top of that, Quintana can be a trade chip mid-season, pretty much the same as Quantrill was this year. Alternative: LHP Anthony Kay (Yokohama BayStars).
    The roster reaches 40 players once again. I have not addressed one problem: this roster is missing a LH reliever. I think the approach here would be "finding a hidden gem" via Rule 5 claims or several minor league deals, with invitations to Spring Training. Speaking of which:
    Minor League Free Agents:
    Sign RHP Bellozo, LHP Nardi, and C Navarreto to minor league deals with an invitation to Spring Training. Contracts with incentives if they make the MLB roster, luring them to stay in the organisation. Other proposed minor league deals: LHP Génesis Cabrera, LHP Cionel Pérez, LHP John Rooney, LHP Matt Krook, LHP Drew Rom, LHP Ethan Small, RHP Nabil Crismatt, RHP Alexis Díaz, INF Kevin Newman, 1B/OH Nick Pratto, OF/DH Eloy Jiménez, and C Elias Díaz.
    Contract Extensions:
    Same as Ely, plus Marsee this mid-season, depending on how he performs before the All-Star break.
    Projected 26-man to start the season:
    Catchers: Hicks, Ramírez (with Mack eventually joining in late April or May, at the expense of Myers)
    Infielders: Díaz, Edwards, Mayo, López, Pauley, Sanoja
    Outfielders: Stowers, Marsee, Conine, Hernández, Myers
    Starters: Alcántara, Cabrera, Pérez, Quintana, Junk
    Relievers: Helsley (CL), Mejia (SU), Henriquez (SU), Faucher, Bachar, Phillips, Gibson, and Meyer
    Rest of the 40-man: Acosta, Serna, Wagaman, Wiemer, Mesa Jr., De Los Santos, Mack, Kempner, White, Brzykcy, Mazur, Petersen, Gusto, Fulton
    Opening Day Lineup (vs RHP):
    Edwards 2B
    Marsee CF
    Stowers LF
    Ramirez DH
    Diaz 1B
    Mayo 3B
    Conine RF
    Lopez SS
    Hicks C
    Lineup vs LHP:
    Edwards 2B
    Hernandez RF
    Ramirez C
    Stowers DH
    Mayo 3B
    Diaz 1B
    Lopez SS
    Myers CF
    Sanoja LF
    When Mack arrives, and if he performs as expected (around .240/.310/.400), the lineup will get a lot closer to a contender. There will be some more work still to be done, but that will depend on how the first half of the season develops. Roster pieces like Petersen, Josh White, Gusto, Wagaman, DLS, and minor league pieces like Snelling, Thomas White, and Alderman can be impactful down the stretch.
    Most of the roster moves will not make the farm system, but the cost of the free agents might be a long shot, given the always-frugal ownership. As always, let me know what you think.
  5. Hans Herrera
    Everything you are about to read represents my gut feeling and nothing more.
    1. Yes, the Marlines overachieved, but many losses were plain stubbornness (and some wins were pure luck, honestly)
    Why did they bother with the Edwards to SS for SO LONG, when it was obvious Otto López was the man to handle the position? How many times, we the fans, witnessed excruciating bullpen decisions? Is there any way to convince these people that Agustín Ramírez is not an MLB catcher? I just don't love McCullough. I do acknowledge he has an AMAZING team around him, but sometimes they were forcing things when there was absolutely no need to.
    2. We all loved the Gus Bus, but...
    And I'm not even talking about the catching part. Yes, he hit 21 HRs. Yes, he is definitely a threat when in the batter's box. He for sure will get some ROY votes. My concern is about the quality of many, many ABs. Often, he looked overmatched. High chase rate, low BB%. He did not show those flaws in AAA... a lot to work with him this offseason.
    3. All eyes are on getting a 1B, but can we do something about 3B?
    Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor, Ryan O'Hearn... they are not happening (#BringBackLewinDiaz). The solution is so simple that I won't even mention it. Late in the season, it looked like Wags finally found it. Johnston should give decent numbers if an extended opportunity opens for him. So, can we talk about yet ANOTHER experiment? Norby can play the position once or twice a week, but no more than that, and his bat is not helping his cause anyway. Pauley is an outstanding glove, but his best-case scenario is a 105 OPS+ bat.
    4. Bullpen, bullpen, and more bullpen arms
    Henriquez, amazing. Bachar, Gibson, Faucher, and Phillips, solid but unspectacular. Bender got injured when most needed (not his fault, obviously). This bullpen needs a 99+ mph-Ryan Helsley-type of guy. The aforementioned six people, plus Nardi, plus Meyer (I think he will take the long-reliever role next year, barring injuries and/or multiple trades), plus a bona fide closer, and you got a pretty solid bullpen. José Alvarado? David Robertson at least? Anyone? Are you going to be THAT cheap, Bruce?
    5. Offseason besties for trades
    There is a 90% probability that the Front Office is going to trade away a Starter. However, given the roster crunch the team is facing when the Rule 5 deadline approaches, there are some teams the Marlins should contact in order to strike a deal. For example, I liked what I saw from Halvorsen, Vodnik, and Mejía in Colorado. Or maybe the White Sox, having Taylor and Leasure as strikeout guys in the bullpen. Those are two out of three teams that were WORSE than the Marlins in OPS from their first basemen, and Troy Johnston is a potential trade candidate, as much as I hate to admit it. At least ONE of those names should be available via trade, right?
  6. Hans Herrera

    My 5 trade targets

    By Hans Herrera,


    Trades
    Here is my stance on the coming trade deadline:
    Do not trade Sandy, Eddy, and maybe not even Jesús. We gonna need them next year.
    Trade Bender, Faucher, and maybe Myers or Henriquez if overpaid.
    But more importantly, the Fish should try and get one of these 5 players:
    1. Chad Stevens (LAA)
    2. Wil Wilson (CLE)
    3. Tyler Locklear (SEA)
    4. Jace Jung (DET)
    5. Cody Freeman OR Blaine Crim (TEX)
    Why? Those are 5 players who can play either 3B or 1B, do not have a clear path to their MLB team, and have nothing else to prove in AAA.
    Think about the Wagaman experiment 2.0. Jung and Locklear may demand good prospects in return.
    Two exciting days ahead!
    Hans.
  7. Hans Herrera
    As reported by Christina de Nicola, Spring Training for the 2025 season will somehow begin next week. Although pitchers and catchers begin workouts in Jupiter, FLA, there is still a considerable amount of uncertainty about Miami's roster. After Braxton Garrett was reported out of the season due to UCL surgery, the most common question is whether the FO will bring an innings-eater Starter, with potential candidates on the menu. Another approach is to bring an expensive contract from other team. Lastly, some consider (a.k.a The Ownership, apparently) that there is enough SP depth to cope with the full season. While this is clearly the most pressing need for the roster, is it the only one? Let's have a quick look at how the roster is as of today and what are the areas of improvement.
    5th Starter
    Let's get over it first. The current 40-man roster has 20 pitchers and 20 position players. Soon enough, the roster spots for Garrett and Pérez would be vacant, as they will be transferred to the 60-day IL. That would (hopefully) make it easier to bring some help to the arm corps: Sandy, Weathers, Cabrera, Meyer are more-or-less ticketed to begin the season in the rotation.
    The front runners for that last spot are Bellozo, Mazur, Curry, and even Gillispie. After them, Snelling and Fulton are considered long shots, given lack of experience in the upper minors or recent injuries. NRIs with starter experience are Tarnok, Piña, Roa, and Monteverde. Some other Free Agents still worth a shot, at least as NRIs: Clevinger, Germán, DeSclafani, and why not Ureña or even Noah Syndergaard.
    On personal note, I have no problem on letting Bellozo take the 5th spot, but maybe bringing someone on an incentive-loaded, split contract would be wise. Also, the idea of bringing an "expensive contract" is actually good, but if I'm the Yankees, D'backs, or Phillies, I would wait until late in Spring Training to get rid of them... You never know when injuries are going to come up.
    Catcher
    And I don't mean back-up catcher. I mean a catcher who can battle for the starting role, as I'm losing faith in Fortes. Hicks has no experience above AA, Ramírez still can't catch at MLB level, and none of the NRI group: Brantly, Mack, Ignoffo, Hostetler are a real threat to Nick. It is not a whole lot better looking at the FA list, although Grandal makes some sense.
    First Base
    Bride and Mervis are the only ones capable of playing the position. We don't know which version of Bride we'll get next season, and Mervis has more questions than answers during his short MLB career. As much as I like De Los Santos, he needs more seasoning in AAA to cut down his free swing. Agustín Ramírez looks more focused on playing behind the plate than to become a full-time 1B. I've already lost all faith in the Marlins giving Johnston a chance in the big leagues. Best "cheap" Free Agent available: Gavin Sheets, Rizzo... maybe José Abreu?
    Glove-First SS/2B
    I am convinced the Marlins should give this role to Otto López and bring a quality 3B. Even though López had a terrific second-half last season, I still don't see him as a starter. Edwards need to keep improving his defense to stick at SS. For the moment, Sanoja is the incumbent in the role, but his contributions last year were far from desirable. Acosta, Serna, and NRI Simón are behind him. If the Marlins want to bring a FA, the few options are José Iglesias, or maybe Brendan Rodgers.
    This is once again wishful thinking. I don't see Bendix very much active in the Free Agent market if uncle Bruce don't open his wallet.
  8. Hans Herrera

    My Offseason Blueprint

    By Hans Herrera,


    Blueprint
    It is that time of the year when we all want to play being Peter Bendix (or whatever he can do with cheap Uncle Bruce behind him). Last year, my offseason blueprint would have had some good results: At catcher, Grandal was injured for a while but still had a very decent season; Perdomo at SS also visited the IL but still had a solid bat and a very good glove; Jake Fraley was a below-average corner OF, more adequate as a 4th OF but still would have preferred him over DLC; Sam Moll had an excellent season in Cincy. Bad calls: Jake Odorizzi,  Kyle Farmer, and some 40-man roster pieces like retaining Jacob Amaya. All in all, I think I would have assembled a competent team, even knowing that 2024 went terribly after only 9 games.
    Let me try again this year. First, I am going to start with what matters the most for constructing a roster: Payroll. Last year, the Marlins had a $97,5M payroll and as today's roster, are projecting $68M for 2025, data taken from Spotrac. Given the always-frugal approach of this team, and the latest FA experiences (García, Anderson, Cueto), I think Sherman will open around $10-12M for FAs this offseason. Let's be "optimistic" and say we have 12.
    Before starting, I think the current status of both the 40-man roster AND the farm system are not particularly strong, that said, there aren't many pieces to trade from nor is the team realistically interested in further weakening their minor leagues, in opposition to last offseason, when the team was focused on reaching the playoffs for consecutive seasons rather than the current rebuilding process. However, I believe this team might be closer to contention fundamentally due to the projected rotation and bullpen, if fully healthy.
    Making Space
    After the Rule 5 protection deadline, the current 40-man roster is full. If the Fish wants to improve last season's results they will need to add some key pieces, particularly on position players. Some placeholders had fair chances to succeed and didn't size their opportunities, so allow me to start the roster crunch.
    Transaction: Mike Baumann, Vidal Brujan, and Johnny Pereda are Designated for Assignment. MLB roster has now 37 players.
    Why? Baumann wasn't good for any of the 5 teams he pitched last season. Pereda had a 33 OPS+, and the only thing Bruján provided was defense versatility and this team needs a lot more than that. None of them will bring any return in a trade, although Bruján can net a low prospect from a non-contender.
    What is Needed
    Capable bats, especially if any of them can play 3B, SS, or OF, especially CF. Burger should move permanently to 1B/DH, Norby didn't look good at the hot corner, and we still don't know if we can trust Bride a full season at 3B, which he wasn't a magician in any case. Also, Edwards can fake it at SS but needs to improve a whole lot if he wants to stick in that position. The OF is more or less in the air for any player not named Jesús Sánchez. Despite terrific seasons from Faucher, Cronin, and some other bullpen arms, there is no shutdown stuff in the relieving corps.
    What is Available
    After the non-tender deadline, the Free Agent list for this offseason was finally complete. As mentioned above, I will assume $12M as a spending budget this offseason, to sit down in the $80M payroll zone. For reference, only the A's had a payroll below that figure during 2024.
    The top free agent at 3B is Alex Bregman, who is safe to say won't play for Miami next season. After him, there is no slam-dunk regular player on the list: Patrick Wisdom, Luis Urias, Gio Urshela, Yoan Moncada, Brandon Drury, and old friends Kiké Hernández and Donovan Solano follow Bregman, but none of them offer an attractive solution for handling the position.
    Since this team is planning to play Edwards at SS, the backup catcher is a bit more pressing right now. Luckily, there are a bunch of interesting names that can complement Fortes very well: Higashioka, Díaz, Grandal once again, Kelly, Knizner, Gary Sánchez, and Danny Jansen among others. If by any chance the Marlins look into the SS position - meaning, moving Edwards back to 2B and López down to a bench role -, Willy Adames highlights the free agent list, with Ha-Seong Kim behind him. None of that duo will come to South Florida.
    Moves
    Transaction: Sign C Danny Jansen for a two-year $7M contract ($3M in 2025 and $4M in 2026) with a $6M third-year club option or $500k buyout. Plan B: Sign C Carson Kelly to a one-year contract with a 2nd-year player option. Jansen had a subpar 2024, but he was well above-average offensive catcher for the three years prior.
    Transaction: Sign RHP José Leclerc to a 2-year $6M contract with a club option for a 3rd year. Also coming from a down year in 2024, Leclerc has closing experience and would almost immediately reclaim the role for the Fish.
    Transaction: Miami Marlins trade LHP Ryan Weathers to the Texas Rangers for 3B/SS Josh Smith and prospects RHP Skylar Hales and LHP Mitch Bratt. It is difficult to find a team with any kind of excess in either 3B or SS. Luckily, the Rangers have more or less settled the diamond with Lowe, Semien, Seager. and a fully recovered Josh Jung. That leaves the bench to Duran, Ornellas, and Smith, the latter having a terrific season replacing Jung. Mostly played 3B with mixed reviews defensively, but also played 49 games at SS. Feels a bit like an overpay, but I do like Smith's OBP, durability, and flexibility. The other two prospects won't have to be added to the 40-man roster, further strengthening the farm system.
    Transaction: Sign OF Austin Hays to a one-year $6M contract with a mutual option for a second year, $8M option. Plan B: Sign OF Dylan Carlson on a one-year $1.5M contract with incentives based on performance. Hays mashes lefties and offers a good corner OF glove. With so much uncertainty in the OF beyond Sánchez, Hays will provide some stability in LF and platoon with Jesús vs. LHP.
    These transactions will move the roster back to 40 players. There is still plenty of depth when it comes to Starters, even after parting ways with Weathers. All said and done, the active roster for next season would look like:
    Starters (5): Alcántara, Luzardo, Garrett, Cabrera, and Bellozo/Meyer (Spring Training - to be replaced by Eury Pérez when ready from TJS)
    Relievers (8): Leclerc (CL), Faucher, Cronin, Nardi, Tinoco, Bender, Meyer/Bellozo, and Veneziano/Bachar (ST)
    Catchers (2): Jansen and Fortes
    Infielders (6): Burger, Norby, Smith, Edwards, López, and Bride
    Outfielders (5): Hays, Hill, and Sánchez, for sure plus two from the Conine/Stowers/Myers/Sanoja group (ST). Today, Conine, Sanoja, and Myers have the edge.
    A regular lineup would look like (vs. RHP):
    Edwards SS
    Smith 3B
    Norby 2B
    Sánchez RF
    Burger 1B
    Hays LF
    Bride DH
    Jansen C
    Hill CF
    This is probably not a .500-team but it is competitive enough to make a positive impact. I am aware that the toughest part is to get those FAs at the suggested price, but all of them can be lured by a non-contender team which might trade them off to a contender mid-season if they perform well. Also, and more importantly, the farm system wasn't touched.
    Let me know what you think!
  9. Hans Herrera
    Hola a todos!
    Los entrenamientos primaverales han concluido para los Marlins de Miami con un récord de 10 victorias, 12 derrotas y 5 empates. A pesar del record negativo, el equipo terminó su participación en la liga Toronja con una nota alta. Jugadores clave como Luis Arráez, Jake Burger, Jazz Chisholm y Tim Anderson lucieron sólidos en la recta final de los entrenamientos; otros como Dane Myers, Troy Johnston y Jonah Bride pueden contribuir durante la temporada, a pesar de estar incluidos en el roster del Jumbo Shrimp de Jacksonville.
    En cuanto al pitcheo, es importante resaltar la profundidad del cuerpo de lanzadores. A pesar de cuatro las bajas importantes en el quinteto abridor que en teoría iniciaría la temporada, i.e., Alcántara, Cabrera, Garrett, y Eury Pérez, el establo ha visto como A.J. Puk, Weathers, Trevor Rogers y Max Meyer han dado un paso al frente para generar confianza entre los dirigentes de la escuadra. Este último cuarteto abridor, acompañados del brazo de Día Inaugural Jesús Luzardo, serán quienes guíen al equipo al principio de la temporada, por lo menos hasta que Garrett, Cabrera y Pérez regresen de sendas lesiones.
    El bullpen no ha estado exento de bajas, aunque en menor medida. Huascar Brazobán no ha podido sumarse al equipo por problemas de visado. JT Chargois sufrió agotamiento y se espera que inicie abril en la lista de lesionados. Los nuevos brazos adquiridos durante la temporada muerta han cubierto estas bajas, por ejemplo Roddery Muñoz, Declan Cronin, Vladimir Gutierrez y los exitosos regresos desde sus lesiones por parte de Sixto Sánchez y Anthony Bender.
    Hoy martes los Peces jugaran un juego intra-escuadra en donde Edward Cabrera enfrentará bateadores por primera vez en varias semanas. Luego de este juego se definirá el roster definitivo de 26 jugadores, el cual aún tiene algunas dudas antes del juego contra los Piratas este jueves. Por ahora, el equipo se proyecta así:
    Receptores: Fortes, Bethancourt (2)
    Cuadro: Bell, Arráez, Burger, Anderson, Berti (5)
    Jardineros: De La Cruz, Chisholm, J. Sánchez, García (4)
    Utilitarios: Bruján, Gordon (2)
    Abridores: Luzardo, Puk, Rogers, Weathers, Meyer (5)
    Relevos: Scott, Nardi, S. Sánchez, Soriano, Bender, Hoeing, Maldonado, Gutiérrez (8)
    La duda más importante está en el bullpen, pues Hoeing, Cronin, Muñoz, Maldonado, Gutiérrez, e incluso Monteverde se pelean por los últimos dos o tres lugares del equipo de relevistas. En cualquier caso, el hecho de tener tantos brazos competentes para iniciar la temporada es un signo de fortaleza, muy a pesar de que los dueños y directiva del equipo hayan decidido no ir a la agencia libre por refuerzos.
    Muchos estaremos pendientes del rendimiento de jugadores como Avisaíl García, Vidal Bruján y Sixto Sánchez. En el caso de García, su contrato de $12 millones de dólares parece la única razón por la cual tiene garantizado un lugar en el roster, más aún con el pobre rendimiento mostrado en marzo, bateando para .205 de promedio, con un OPS de .536 y 13 ponches en 49 turnos al plato. Un caso parecido es el de Vidal Bruján, quien aunque no tiene un contrato costoso, los Marlins lo intercambiaron a las Mantarrayas de Tampa (junto con Calvin Faucher) por 3 prospectos. Dado el concenso general del pobre sistema de categorías inferiores de Miami y el rendimiento superlativo de Myers y Johnston en la liga Toronja, la presión está del lado de García y Bruján para que empiecen a producir de una vez y por todas.
    Finalmente, muchos ojos estarán sobre Sixto Sánchez por razones completamente diferentes. Luego de más de tres años de haber lanzado su último pitcheo en grandes ligas y de varias lesiones que lo mantuvieron lejos de competir, Sixto ha regresado esta primavera, sorprendiendo a propios y extraños. Su recta operó entre 93-96 millas por hora, alcanzando casi 99 en un par de lanzamientos. Tanto ha sido su progreso, que el manager Skip Schumaker ya lo confirmó como integrante del bullpen para el inicio de la temporada, algo que parecía insólito hasta hace un par de meses. Esta puede ser una de las mejores historias de regresos este año y todos estaremos deseándo que tenga una exitosa temporada.
    Hasta aqui el resumen de la pre-temporada. Estaremos haciendo análisis periódicos del rendimiento de los Marlins a lo largo de la temporada regular, asi que estén atentos!
    Nos veremos en la próxima y deja tu comentario!
  10. Hans Herrera

    Peces en Primera

    By Hans Herrera,


    Spanish
    Hola a todos!
    Volvemos con otra entrada de Peces en Primera. Esta vez analizaremos el rendimiento general del equipo luego de dos semanas de juegos en la Liga Toronja.

    Aunque a día de hoy Los Marlins se encuentran últimos en la tabla con foja de 3-6-2, el rendimiento general ha sido más de lo mismo: Buen pitcheo abridor, buen bullpen, preocupante número de carreras anotadas a la ofensiva.
    Los “caballos” abridores han permitido 3 CL o menos en 9 de los 11 encuentros a la fecha. El cuerpo de relevistas ha lucido sólido, con excepción de Tanner Scott y un par de jugadores invitados al roster.
    En contraste, la ofensiva ha lucido apagada, anotando más de 3 carreras en solo 3 encuentros de la docena total. Luis Arraez había lucido apagado hasta ayer, cuando bateó 3-3 y así volvimos a ver al de siempre.
    En notas particulares, se ha anunciado que existe una gran posibilidad de que A.J. Puk se una a la rotación abridora para iniciar la temporada. Con Sandy Alcántara recuperándose de la cirugía Tommy John y Braxton Garrett retrasado en su recuperación de una fatiga en el hombro, el rendimiento de Puk ha sido muy bien recibido dado su “stuff” como abridor de primera calidad.
    Siguiendo con los brazos, Sixto Sánchez ha sorprendido gratamente a compañeros, aficionados y a todos en general. En el juego de ayer viernes alcanzó las 96 millas y luce capaz de manejar algún rol en el bullpen.
    Por último, últimamente de rumora la traída de J.D. Martínez como refuerzo ofensivo. Su rol sería básicamente con bateador designado, reduciendo aún más las posibilidades de juego para Avisail García, quien dicho sea de paso ha tenido un entrenamiento primaveral para el olvido. Estaremos atentos a esta noticia.
    Seguiremos con el cubrimiento en Español de las noticias relacionadas con el equipo, ya entrados en la recta final de la Liga Toronja y de cara al inicio de la temporada regular.
    Hasta la próxima!
  11. Hans Herrera

    Comineza la nueva temporada!

    By Hans Herrera,


    Spanish
    Hola a todos los hispanohablantes!
    A partir de hoy estaremos comentando las noticias más importantes del equipo. Cada semana haremos un resumen de lo que pasó y lo que viene para el equipo. Empezaremos esta temporada 2024 con el roster actual, los juegos de entrenamiento primaveral y las expectativas de cada uno de los integrantes de la página en inglés de Fish on First.
    Por ahora, las noticias más importantes son la llegada de Tim Anderson a jugar el campocorto, la primera sesión de bullpen de Sixto Sánchez, el primer juego de la Liga Toronja será para Ryan Weathers y algunos nombres interesantes que se encuentran en el equipo con invitados non-roster.
    Los mantendremos informados!
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