The 67-67 Miami Marlins were well-positioned to fight for a Wild Card spot in the National League just a couple of weeks ago.
However, they have one of MLB’s worst records in the second half and are now three games behind the third and last Wild Card spot, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cincinnati Reds sandwiched in between.
Pitching-wise, the Marlins are a top-tier team, with quality and depth (particularly in the rotation).
The bullpen and the offense, however, were (and are) areas of need.
The Marlins were presented with a potential chance to add some players via waivers this week.
However, according to a team insider, they missed out on a couple of impact relief arms.
“My understanding is the Marlins were hoping to grab either Reynaldo Lopez or Matt Moore in the waiver bonanza but the Guardians claimed them both,” Craig Mish tweeted.
My understanding is the Marlins were hoping to grab either Reynaldo Lopez or Matt Moore in the waiver bonanza but the Guardians claimed them both.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) August 31, 2023
Moore, a left-hander, has a 2.66 ERA in 44 frames this season, and he would have been a fantastic addition for Miami.
The same can be said about Lopez, a right-hander with a 3.93 ERA in 55 frames this year.
Perhaps the Marlins should have focused on adding some bats, too.
After all, they rank 27th among 30 MLB teams with 534 runs scored.
Only the Kansas City Royals, the Detroit Tigers, and the Oakland Athletics have fewer.
Hunter Renfroe was available, and so was Randal Grichuk.
In any case, the Marlins are still very much in the race for a postseason spot.
They will have to be carried by their starting pitching, though.
NEXT: Josh Bell Tied An Elite Marlins Mark On Monday
