The Miami Marlins are gearing up for Opening Day with a few roster decisions still hanging in the balance. With only 12 healthy position players from their 40-man roster, they need to fill one more spot before Friday’s opener at loanDepot park. Let’s dive into the potential moves and what they mean for the team.
External Options
Pros: Miami has a few seasoned Major League players in their sights.
Slater, for instance, could be a strategic addition. A right-handed hitter, he could balance out the Marlins' lefty-heavy lineup.
His impressive .856 OPS this spring and a career .787 OPS against lefties make him a strong candidate.
Cons: However, there are some hurdles.
Pham wasn’t part of a big league camp, meaning he might need more time to get game-ready. Outman and Larnach, both left-handed hitters, had an OPS+ of 99 or lower last season, which is below league average.
Connections: Slater has a history with GM Gabe Kapler from their time at the Giants, while Taylor and manager Clayton McCullough share a Dodgers connection. Pham and president of baseball operations Peter Bendix also have a shared past with the Rays.
Noteworthy Moves: The Marlins have been active in the trade market in recent years, including a notable three-team deal in 2024 and acquiring Tyler Phillips last year. These moves show Miami’s willingness to shake things up as needed.
Internal Options
40-man Outfield Possibilities: Jakob Marsee, Owen Caissie, Griffin Conine, and Heriberto Hernández are potential internal candidates. However, with Stowers and Ruiz both being outfielders, the Marlins might lean towards more versatile options.
Versatile Players: Connor Norby, Christopher Morel, and Javier Sanoja offer flexibility.
Norby, primarily a third baseman, has shown his adaptability by playing left field. Morel, the likely main first baseman, has outfield experience.
Sanoja, a Gold Glove utility player, adds further depth.
Triple-A Prospects: The Marlins have promising prospects like Kemp Alderman and Mack, but they might prefer to keep them in Triple-A for consistent development. Daniel Johnson, with some Major League experience, could be a viable call-up.
Roster Considerations: Clearing a roster spot is crucial, and right-hander Adam Mazur’s move to the 60-day injured list could facilitate this.
The team must also consider the duration of Stowers’ absence. If it’s just three to four weeks, they might not make a big signing but could still send a strong signal about their competitive intentions.
Manager Clayton McCullough emphasized the importance of flexibility: “We’ll have 13 position players on Friday, and we feel good about what we have. Our players can cover multiple spots, allowing us to adapt based on matchups and performance.”
As the Marlins finalize their roster, the balance between proven talent and developing prospects will be key in setting the tone for the upcoming season.