Miami Marlins 2019 Season Preview: Fantasy Analysis
2018 Record: 63-98
Projected 2019 Record: 62-100
Contents
2018 Recap & 2019 Team Outlook
It is hard to stay positive when talking about the Miami Marlins, but let’s look at the bright side. They didn’t lose 100 games last season, and weren’t the worst team in the league. Unfortunately they are projected to lose 100 games, and they are dealing with a much tougher division than last year’s. As far as an outlook goes, Miami’s team is dreadful, and will be for a while. The lack of incoming prospects from their recent sell off is underwhelming and gives little for fans to be excited about. This team may have actually gotten older, as Neil Walker and Curtis Granderson are now a part of the starting lineup. With a lackluster pitching staff, and what would have been an okay lineup in 2008, it is going to be a rough year for the Marlins.
2019 Storylines
Miami is going to be in the selling market for the next few years, and there are a few names that could be shipped out for more contending teams depending on how they are doing. The return on their tradable players won’t be much, and they missed the opportunity to bring a better haul from the big names. It leaves us with one question, which is how they plan on being competitive soon? The pitching isn’t much better, and those names are in a similar boat.
Marlins Starting Pitching
The Marlins rotation is a work in progress, and a lot of these names are not part of the future. Sandy Alcantara is someone to keep an eye on. He is one of the two starters touching over 95mph, and brings the chance for an ERA below four. Alcantara is just 23 years old, and has shown some strikeout stuff down in the minors. He is their brightest arm currently in the majors. His control has been spotty with a 15.8% walk rate, but had some swing and miss stuff. Jose Urena has been an average right-hander, and likely won’t transition into anything more. He hasn’t shown strikeout stuff at any level, and has sported an xFIP over 4.50 in his career. Dan Straily and Wei-Yin Chen are two other names that possess below average stuff, and are coasting their way to another paycheck in Miami.
Marlins Bullpen
Miami’s bullpen was on par with the rest of their team. They had the highest bullpen ERA in baseball, and one of the lowest strikeout rates of any team in baseball. Drew Steckenrider is looking to be the closer, as there isn’t much competition. He holds the cards at this point for how long he remains the team’s closer. Sergio Romo would likely be a candidate to close if he struggles. In terms of heat, Tayron Guerrero brings some high velocity gas, but struggles with command, and has an ERA over five so far in his career.
Marlins Hitters
If you are looking for a breakout year from one of these names, you won’t find it. Now that isn’t saying there won’t be some league average bats in the lineup. Starlin Castro remains a Marlin, and has produced at a rather consistent rate over the last few seasons. He has posted around a league average wRC+ over the last two seasons, one of those coming with the Yankees. Brian Anderson came onto the scene last season, with a .273/.357/.400 slashing line. This was a positive for someone younger than 28 playing regularly for Miami. With the departure of Justin Bour, there isn’t a big power bat. Neil Walker and Curtis Granderson are riding out their careers in Miami.
Marlins Projected Lineup
- Curtis Granderson
- Starlin Castro
- Brian Anderson
- Neil Walker
- Peter O’Brien
- Jorge Alfaro
- J.T. Riddle
- Lewis Brinson
2019 Noteworthy Fantasy Pitchers
Usually this is a spot where I would highlight fantasy viable pitchers, but there isn’t any here. Now there might be some spots for streaming given the positive park factors and potential for a favorable matchup. I do mention Alcantara above, but we need to see more before we waste a draft pick on him. If you are playing in deep leagues, both him and Urena might be held onto for streaming use.
2019 Noteworthy Fantasy Hitters
Starlin Castro – It is kinda sad when Starlin Castro is your most notable hitter. Brian Anderson is a close second. These guys are going to be late round targets, but they still give you value if you are lacking at these positions. Both have league average floors, but the upside is pretty capped.
