Robert Hanson

The Luzardo trade basically prevented the Marlins from making the playoffs in 2025. Luzardo in the rotation, as opposed to Cal Quantrill, likely gives the Marlins at least 4 additional wins, which is how many games the Marlins finished behind the Reds for the final playoff spot. It’s too soon to grade this trade. 2026 was Luzardo’s final arbitration year and he would’ve been gone at this year’s trade deadline, at the latest, if not sooner. Obviously, holding onto Luzardo for the 2025 season would’ve increased his trade value, not to mention made them a better team. Starlin Caba is just 20 years old. Even if he makes his MLB debut in 2028-2029, he’s still just 22-23 years old. We can’t lament giving up on Mesa Jr. too soon, then assume Caba’s a bust and give up on him when he’s still young and has upside. As far as the Hicks trade goes, once again it’s too soon to grade this trade, There was no position on the Marlins for Hicks to play regularly. Joe Mack is the starting catcher and Kyle Stowers is the starting 1st baseman, a position Hicks has no range to play and was bad at. Ironically, the trade that could end up hurting the Marlins more is the Nick Fortes trade. Fortes would’ve been the perfect fit to play alongside/behind Mack. As far as who the Marlins acquired for Hicks — Jacob Kisting, Adrian Santana, & Brayden Taylor — Kisting put up impressive numbers last year, though the book on all 3 of these prospects is high floor/low ceiling. We’ll see what happens.

The fact that Driscoll & Navarreto cleared waivers & were outrighted to Jville is good news. The Marlins had no catchers listed on their Jville roster. though Garret Forrester has caught games. Jumbo Shrimp pitching staff now has 2 veterans of MiLB to throw to in 2027. With the roster at 38 once the 60 day I.L. players are added, the Marlins are positioned to sign a f.a. or two before the lockout commences.

IMO, Nardi should be non tendered, though the Marlins may do so due to the absence of MLB ready LH relievers in Jville, despite the fact that he likely doesn’t pitch in 2027. As far as Zuber goes, could depend on the diagnosis on his elbow. Esteury not a slam dunk to be tendered, IMO. The rest of the arb eligible players will all be tendered.

I have no shot at winning this thing, so it’s time to be a homer. Marlins sweep the Braves. Jakob Marsee will be the series MVP.

Unfortunately, the Cubs sweep the series. Pete Crow-Armstrong is the series MVP.

The Marlins win the series 2-1. Jakob Marsee is the series MVP.

The Marlins will win this series 2-1. Griffin Conine will be the series MVP.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers win the series 2-1. Max Muncy will be the series MVP.

The Marlins will win the series 2-1. Griffin Conine will be the series MVP.

Unfortunately, the Cubs win the series 2-1. Alex Bregman will be the series MVP.

Good interview, guys. Would throw in Bryan Harvey & Robb Nen, who both pitched in the 90’s, as candidates for Marlins all time closers.

Unfortunately, the Royals win the series 2-1. Jac Caglianone will be the series MVP.

The Marlins will split the series 2-2. Daylen Lile will be the series MVP.

Good to see that Aiva is upright and in one piece. Just hoping he can stay healthy.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox win the series 2-1. Willson Contreras will be the series MVP.