In 2020, the Miami Marlins shocked much of the baseball world.
While it was a COVID-shortened season, they were still able to make it to the playoffs.
THE 2020 MIAMI MARLINS ARE POSTSEASON BOUND. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/TEdhm6mk4y
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 26, 2020
They did it just a year after losing 105 games.
This was even in the face of a major virus outbreak early in the season.
By the end of the 60 games, they were 31-29 and earned a playoff berth.
They were able to win the Wild Card round and advance to the Division Series where they lost to the Atlanta Braves.
Now, while the 2021 outlook looks grim, there is hope that the Marlins can build off a solid campaign last year.
Here is a look at their projected lineup for this season.
Marlins Projected 2021 Lineup
If the season were to begin today, here is how the Marlins lineup would look:
- Corey Dickerson, OF
- Starling Marte, OF
- Jesus Aguilar, 1B
- Brian Anderson, 3B
- Garrett Cooper, OF
- Miguel Rojas, SS
- Jazz Chisholm, 2B
- Chad Wallach, C
This is clearly far from the best lineup in the league.
Over a full, 162 game schedule, they likely will not measure up to the other teams in the National League.
However, there are some players that look to take the next step forward in 2021.
The most notable is their young infielder Jazz Chisholm.
The Bahamas native made his MLB debut last season and showed off his sweet swing from the left side.
First hit for #Marlins Jazz Chisholm: ✔️ pic.twitter.com/x6bFWhUUr5
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 6, 2020
He projects as one of the best prospects in the league.
If he continues developing, he could become a superstar in the MLB.
The Marlins will also look for third baseman Brian Anderson to break out.
Get 'em on. Get 'em over. Then go get Brian Anderson.
#JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/fIrp63Xfpj
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 12, 2020
Anderson has been a solid player at the big-league level but has the potential to be one of the league’s best at third.
If he can up his offensive production, his name will garner consideration.
They are also anchored by the veteran leadership of Starling Marte, Jesus Aguilar and Miguel Rojas.
While this isn’t a star-studded group of players, it is a solid mix of talent.
Young Pitching Rotation
The brightest spot for the Marlins comes with the youth of their pitching.
This is headlined by mega prospect Sixto Sanchez.
The pitchers with the loudest tools in our Top 💯?
1. Sixto Sanchez
2. Max Meyer
3. Nate Pearson
4. Asa Lacy
5. Matt AllanFull ranking: https://t.co/VTLJvoo9Pc pic.twitter.com/GBi0h8oYzi
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 22, 2021
Last season, Sanchez gave a glimpse at his big-league talent.
He has the potential to develop into one of the more dominant arms in the league.
Alongside him, Sandy Alacantara and Pablo Lopez are both young pitchers with bright futures.
The common theme among them is their stuff.
Each of these pitchers are young and have a dominant array of pitches.
They have the potential to develop into a solid starting rotation.
The bullpen is the weakest part of this Marlins team.
They lack any presence among their relievers, making them an easy target during games.
If there were any more moves the team was looking to make this offseason, adding a bullpen arm would be critical.
Marlins 2021 Outlook
As with most years, nobody is expecting much from the Marlins.
They are still in the midst of a rebuilding project as they aim to get younger.
The good news is that there is young talent ready to play in the majors.
This season will be important for them: they will get a chance to perform over a full season.
Then again, as we saw from the Marlins in 2020, anything can happen.
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