3 moves for Miami Marlins this offseason

The Miami Marlins were the darlings of baseball in 2020. They had been good enough to reach the postseason, finishing second in the NL East as they finished above .500. The Marlins even advanced to the NLDS, bouncing the Cubs before their magical run came to an end.

While the Marlins were not expected to reach the postseason this year, it was not outside the realm of possibility that they could be a competitive team. Instead, the Nationals’ implosion was the only thing to keep them out of the NL East basement, despite a positive run differential for much of the year.

3 moves for Miami Marlins this offseason

That may change in 2022. Team CEO Derek Jeter has expressed frustration with how the Marlins have continued to scuffle, and is vowing to put a competitive team on the diamond. General manager Kim Ng will have the resources needed to add an impact bat or two, something that the Marlins desperately need. Maybe, just maybe, the Marlins constant rebuilding process will come to an end.

Let’s take a look at three moves the Miami Marlins need to make this offseason as they look to become contenders.

Extend Sandy Alcantara

One of the greatest strengths for the Miami Marlins is their impressive pitching prospects. Between their young arms at the major league level, and a wave of prospects that are on the cusp of heading to Miami, the Marlins rotation will be a strength for years to come.

Sandy Alcantara has established himself as the ace of the young Marlins pitching staff. Although he posted a disappointing 9-15 record this season, he posted an excellent 3.19 ERA and a 1.075 WHiP over his 205.2 innings, striking out 201 batters with just 50 walks. If he could have gotten any type of run support, Alcantara would have had a winning record.

If the Marlins are going to build a sustainable contender, they need to keep pitchers such as Alcantara in their stable. For his part, the young Marlins ace has said that he wants to sign an extension, and is hopeful that such a deal comes together soon.

That is one of the hallmarks of a winning ballclub. The Marlins are never going to be there with the Yankees or Dodgers in terms of payroll, but they need to be able to lock in their own homegrown talent. Locking up Alcantara would send a message to the rest of the roster that mediocrity is no longer good enough.

The Miami Marlins starting rotation is their greatest strength. They should keep a key part of that around for the foreseeable future by locking in Sandy Alcantara.