The Miami Marlins made the playoffs this year. They also fired the GM that got them here and might be without their ace for another year or so, but...let's at least focus on the good things.
The Marlins built so much over the course of the year by making smart moves, like getting a batting title guy in Luis Arraez to revitalize the contact hitting, swinging A.J. Puk before the season to aid the bullpen, and getting both Jake Burger and Josh Bell to keep the lineup alive in the season's final months. It may not have been enough to stop the Phillies from doing their thing, but it was enough to prove themselves as an underrated force of hitting.
As he has been in the past few years, Jon Berti has been a wonderfully versatile piece that played multiple positions and filled many roles both as a contact hitter, base-stealer and utility guy. This year Berti hit .294 with 114 hits, fourth on the Marlins, and 16 steals.
2024 Prediction: He's 34. He's given the Marlins a lot. I think he might slip a little bit, even if he does show sparks of his usual material in points.
After 7 wonderful seasons as the first baseman in Houston, the Astros moved on from Yuli Gurriel, and so did the 39-year-old Gurriel, signing a deal with the Marlins. I think because he played for so long, combining his Cuba numbers, Gurriel isn't gonna hang it up until he's 100% sure he's out of juice. So Gurriel tried his hand at another year for Miami, and he was alright. Gurriel hit .245 with 27 RBIs in 108 games, which probably led to the Marlins needing to get Bell.
2024 Prediction: He wants to keep playing. But does anyone want to sign him? Honestly...I think he does one more season somewhere small and then hangs it up.
Joey Wendle's second season in Miami was a step down for his first, at least offensively, as he hit .212 this year with 63 hits in 112 games. The good news is that Wendle is still an excellent defender, and as the starting shortstop he still put himself above the pack.
2024 Prediction: I think Wendle will be a defensive sub in New York, as they pretty much have the starting infield down, but I think they'll like him in Queens.
As Jacob Stallings is looking more like a backup than ever, the starting catching position went to Nick Fortes, who, while decent defensively, is clearly no J.T. Realmuto at the plate. The 26-year-old hit .206 with 60 hits in 108 games. He was definitely an 'he's what we've got' pick for Miami, but there's always a chance he could improve.
2024 Prediction: Hits higher than .204 at the plate, but don't be surprised if the Marlins pursue an offensive upgrade behind the plate.
One of the most incredible relief seasons of 2023 came from former Orioles relief man Tanner Scott, in his second season for the Marlins. Scott put on a show this season, with a 9-5 record, a 2.31 ERA, a 0.987 WHIP, 12 saves and 108 strikeouts in 74 games. He was also unhittable in one postseason inning against Philadelphia. No matter what he accomplishes next for Miami, the fans will always remember Scott's 2023 season.
2024 Prediction: He will not top that, but he'll still do decently.
Here's something I wasn't expecting- former Rockies utility bat Garrett Hampson actually accomplished a lot for the Marlins in a similar utility role. In 98 games, Hampson hit .276 with 61 hits and 23 RBIs. Hampson really is a cool player to have around, and while the Marlins will have to find utility help elsewhere next year, he's definitely reestablished his legitimacy.
2024 Prediction: I mean, at this rate, he might start a lot more games than the Royals are anticipating.
Lost in the shuffle of Burger and Bell was the Marlins' sly trade for David Robertson, who was having his second straight stellar first half, this one with the Mets. Like last year, his numbers bobbled upon a trade, and while the Marlins made the deal looking for a new closing option, Robertson had a 5.06 ERA with only 4 saves in 22 games. The team had to turn to Tanner Scott to help them out in the ninth for September, and thankfully he did a job, but it was clear that D-Rob let them down.
2024 Prediction: I think this is honestly a good place to call it a day. I'm not sure he thinks that, but I do.
Coming Tomorrow- Several reasons why the Mets couldn't get it done this year.
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