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.

First of all.... So freaking disappointing that this team hasn't been in a better position in YEARS - Close to being a solid competitive team, missing two or three pieces, all while having the lowest payroll in the majors... This should be the definition of a franchise dream for both fans and the management... And still not doing anything about it! And about the roster: I think Junk should have the edge over Meyer for that 5th rotation spot, but I understand that Max still has upside while Junk is probably at his peak. Otherwise, there is not much else to say, right?

Me too!

I proposed a similar trade in my offseason Blueprint: but I feel giving Eddy is an overpay (not that far off, though). I hope this is not just smoke and mirrors.

When FOF writes an article about a potential free agent target for the Marlins, doubles possibility of signing with other team within the same week 😂😅 Helsley, Williams, and now Pagán.

All these positional changes send one clear message: The ownership will not spend any money in Free Agency. Shocking.

It's getting more difficult for the Fish to actually sign a high-end arm. I know Bendix should be all over Fairbanks, but maybe focusing on a still good but not so coveted arm, say, Jensen or Pagán, can make it a bit easier.

It is a long shot, but I think the Marlins should go after Daniel Susac. I say it is a long shot because some other team will pick him up first. But if not, they should definitely do it. From this article, I like Piñango, but I don't see him as a good fit for the current roster. Also, Gauthier from the Dodgers. Another name that might be a good fit is 1B TJ Rumfield (NYY).

And there goes Lewin Díaz 😭 #BringBackLewinDiaz in 2027.

LOL. I got another one: The Miami T-Rex’s (Coz they can’t reach their pockets)

I think Stowers should take that 6-year, $63M offer. He's a bit injury-prone and again, he has just one great season under his belt. Or maybe he can go for 4-year, $40-45M, and still cash good money at free agency at 31-yo.

If I have to bet on one player from those mentioned above, I think Bendix will choose a pitcher. More specifically, looking for that Ronny Heníquez-type new arm. For example, take Taylor Rashi's Baseball Savant: https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/taylor-rashi-688497?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb Nothing jumps out of the charts, but his 4-seam, Slider, and Splitter were very effective putting batters away. Looks like he might need a tweak here and there, but interesting nevertheless. I'm not saying it's him, but an arm like his. Another example is Sam Hentges: https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/sam-hentges-656529?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb, who, to me, should be a no-brainer to sign even if he misses some time early in the season. If a position player has to be chosen (and knowing that they won't sign anyone over $5M), I'd go with Christopher Morel, who might be some sort of insurance if Norby doesn't pan out at 3B. He bats right, has power, and plays multiple positions. In some ways, it makes sense to add him, but maybe not at $2,5M.

Well, I think Finnegan is a good fit, same is O’Hearn. That complementary arm must be a left-handed, since Cade Gibson is the only reliable lefty out of the bullpen. Although a solid acquisition which will further strengthen the arm corps, Keller’s money can go to yet another bat (for example, Adolis Garcia was non-tendered, or even all the buzz around Yandy Diaz). There are several options for the long-reliever: Meyer, Gusto, even Phillips, that’s why I don’t see getting Keller as a straightforward move. But again, it will make the bullpen better. More importantly, I don’t see Sherman giving Bendix $20M bucks to spend in free agency.

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.

Mark Canha or Eric Wagaman? Austin Hays or Dane Myers? Caleb Ferguson or Josh Simpson?

I do agree with you Ely. Even though Kempner looks solid, 17 AAA-innings might not be enough to deserve a roster spot. I also think the front office would like to scoop someone from another organisation, meaning they will probably not protect him and maybe DFA another one or two before the draft. Interesting evening you guys will have on Friday (I’ll be 🥱😴💤)

Even though I’m a big fan of Eddy, I like the trade. That also means the A’s will say no, but probably because of the other pieces in the proposed deal. Still, Cabrera for Sodestrom it’s very interesting.

I guess it’s now Kempner’s turn. He only threw 17 innings in Jacksonville, but he impressed. But what about Matt Pushard? Isn’t he a borderline candidate for being protected? Even McCambley has somehow a solid case, and the Rockies, Pirates, White Sox, Twins and Angels are all needing pitching help….

Hey! I think the trade with the Yankees is pretty cool, but I think giving away Eddy is too much. Besides, you are leaving a big hole in the rotation, and that should also be addressed. Not sure if a Sandy-Eury-Weathers-Junk-Garrett rotation can hold an entire season, given the health concerns from both lefties. Maybe adding an innings-eater veteran can get you close to a contender. In any case, adding Rice to the current roster is a huge improvement. Would you be satisfied with a Norby/Pauley platoon at 3rd?

Thanks for your insights! On Weathers: Since the Marlins won’t spend in frontline free agents, they need to trade Starters to get bats. And personally rather trade Weathers -who should have enough trade value- than Sandy or Eddy. On Petersen: He throws gas, but also needs some fine-tuning. I think he will contribute along the way, but maybe not at the beginning, barring injuries. On Quintana: after trading both Garrett and Weathers, the rotation could use a lefty. He should not come expensive, and he’s more a trading piece and a holdover while Snelling gets ready to join the team by mid-season. On Mayo: there are many similarities with Norby, but Mayo has excelled in every level except the Majors, but that might also be because the Orioles have not gave him an extended opportunity at 3B. I do like his plate discipline and power.

Makes you wonder why risk your career when you are having a solid season and, particularly for Clase, are about to sign the biggest contract of your life. I don't understand. Bet addiction, maybe?

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.

Can someone explain me how Johnston is less valuable to this roster than Simpson, Serna, Wiemer, and above all, Winkler? I legitimately ask this question because I do not understand.

Exciting! What I liked: 1. 40-man crunch 2. Free Agents (1) 3. 2-for-4 in Trades (Garrett-Norby, Bender) 4. Player extensions (I would even add Marsee) 5. No more Gus as a catcher. I already expressed my opinion about the Arenado trade; not that I don't like it, I just think it's unrealistic. Would have been nice to project your 26-man, since you were already there. It is now my turn...

That catch over Alonso’s line drive was the cherry on top of his GG case. Congrats Javier!