2023 Miami Marlins Preview

March 30, 2023

2023 Miami Marlins Season Preview

Sportrelay.com brings you a 2023 Miami Marlins season preview. Last season was a dismal one for the Marlins. The team was considered at least a .500 team with a strong starting rotation and building a core of younger players. However, they stumbled to a 69–93 record. That finish led to Don Mattingly making the decision not to return as manager. A new manager, a talented starting rotation, and some acquisitions along with some young talent might see that change.

New Manager

The Marlins hired Skip Schumaker as their manager back in October. He is a first-time manager, but was a part of two World Series champion St Louis Cardinals teams in 2006 and 2011. His leadership style, teaching skills, and attention to detail is what the Marlins’ front office wanted. Schumaker played for Tony La Russa, who is in the Hall of Fame as a manager. So Schumaker knows what it takes to be a manager as well as what it takes to be a championship team.

Offense

The 2023 season should see a better Marlins offense. The team acquired last year’s AL Batting Champion, Luis Arraez, who should enjoy hitting at LoanDepot Park. A healthy Jazz Chisholm and his speed on the bases will help. What the offense really needs if they want to be at least .500 team is a bounce back season from both Avisail Garcia and Jorge Soler.

Last season, Garcia was counted on to be the run producer, but struggled to a .224 average. He had just eight home runs, and 35 RBI in only 98 games. He also spent time on the Injured List twice with a left hamstring strain, which really hindered him all season. Soler banged out 13 home runs, but hit only .207. Also plagued with injuries he only played in 72 games. Both signed big contracts and need to start showing they are worthy of those deals.

One player who will help the offense is Jean Segura. All this veteran does is hit consistently regardless of the team he plays on. He is a lifetime .285 hitter and finds the power alleys for doubles. At 33, he still has speed and can help on the base paths. He is a well-liked player that keeps his teammates going.

Starting Pitching

The Marlins’ starting pitching could be the strength of their team. Sandy Alcantara won the Cy Young Award last year. Add in Edward Cabrera and Jesus Luzardo, and this group should keep the team in games.

Other starters include Trevor Rogers, and the crafty veteran Johnny Cueto. Rogers must start to show what made him a top prospect. He struggled with his location, and was hit hard last year. He dealt with back issues. Then, a Grade 1 lat strain ended his 2022 season. He came to spring training healthy. He and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre have worked on pitch selection. Rogers should play a large role in the rotation this year.

Fifteen-year veteran Cueto is a two-time All-Star, and a World Series Champion. He can still work his fastball, changeup, and cutter pitches. Cueto will be a good number-five starter. His experience and knowledge will provide leadership for a young staff both on the field, and in the clubhouse.

Bullpen

The next thing on this Marlins season preview is the bullpen, and it has a chance to be a good one. It has yet to be determined whether or not they will use closer-by-committee. Dylan Floro and Tanner Scott were the closers last year. Over the last two seasons, Floro has a 2.91 ERA with 25 saves, and could be the team’s closer to start the season. Scott took over closer duties when Floro was on the IL. He had 20 saves in 27 attempts. Scott has been a setup and middle-relief pitcher who can go more than one inning so the Marlins might feel comfortable with him back in that role.

Surprise Player

Trevor Rogers could be the Marlins’ surprise player. He has faced his fair share of ups and downs as a starting pitcher since his arrival in 2021. As a rookie in 2021, he led the team with a 2.64 ERA and was selected to the All-Star Game. Last season he was in a sophomore slump. He struggled and never looked comfortable on the mound, ending the year with an ERA of 5.47. The Marlins are hoping that he is healthy, and ready to put last year behind him. With a new manager and revamped offense and what could be one of the best pitching rotations in baseball, Rogers is expected to play a substantial role in getting this organization turned around.

2023 Outlook

The Marlins will be competitive this season, but most likely will not be a playoff team. Last season they played in 64 one-run games and went just 24–40 in those games. In order to compete, they must improve that stat. While talented, if the pitching fails to live up to expectations and the team is lackluster on offense again, they will end up with around 70 to 75 wins.

However, this team is building on a core of good young players and experienced veterans. And, they do have outstanding pitching. If they can stay consistent and the defense improves from last year and the offense can avoid the long slump, this 2023 team could be a .500 team.