The Miami Marlins’ recent acquisitions and young talent is starting to shape their lineup during the 2024 season. With their recent moves in free agency, such as acquiring Tim Anderson and Christian Bethancourt, their lineup will look significantly different than in 2023. This fresh look for the Marlins lineup can help them finally be contenders in the National League.
Apart from their lineup, they have a strong starting rotation. Even without their ace, Sandy Alcántara, being out with Tommy John surgery. Pitchers such as Jesús Luzardo, Eury Pérez, and Braxton Garrey are all young and have a bright future. In addition to pitchers, the Marlins have the 2023 NL Manager of the Year in Skip Schumaker.
Marlins Projected Lineup
Catcher: Christian Bethancourt and Nick Fortes
The Marlins acquired Bethancourt from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations. During the 2023 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, he played in 101 games and posted a .225 average, with 11 home runs and 33 RBI.
Nick Fortes recently began to have a bigger role in the 2023 season. He played in 108 games and posted a .562 OPS and 26 HR. He would even play in the NL Wild Card Series. Most likely, Fortes and Bethancourt will divide the playing time equally.
First Baseman: Josh Bell or Trey Mancini
Josh Bell was picked up at the 2023 trade deadline and was a key instrument in firing the relatively dormant Miami offense into a playoff berth. He played 1B for the Fish in 2023, so he is expected to return to this position for the 2024 season. In 2023, he played 152 games between the Marlins and Cleveland Guardians and posted 22 home runs, 74 RBI, and a .744 OPS. If needed, he could potentially be a DH for the Marlins.
If Bell does not start, Trey Mancini could be a possible backup for the 2021 Comeback Player of the Year. The Marlins signed a minor league deal with Mancini and an invitation to spring training. If Mancini does make the major league roster, he will undoubtedly be the backup 1B for Josh Bell.
Second Baseman: Luis Arráez
It is no secret that the Marlins second baseman will be Luis Arráez. In his first season with the Marlins, he led the majors with a .345 average and finished eighth in NL MVP voting. He played 147 games and had a .861 OPS with merely 34 strikeouts. He is a hitting machine who is currently the Marlins’ best player.
Shortstop: Tim Anderson, Jon Berti, or Xavier Edwards
The Marlins have recently acquired the former batting champ Anderson from free agency. The Fish were on the hunt for a shortstop after Miguel Rojas left for the Los Angeles Dodgers. They finally signed one in the former batting champ free agent, Anderson. Anderson is a powerful hitter who can offensively take the Marlins to the next level. He is willing to play another position, but the Marlins will likely keep him at shortstop.
Another option at shortstop could be Jon Berti, who played the position for the Marlins last season. But, he might be used as a utility man with the addition of Anderson. With the addition of Anderson, it is unlikely that Xavier Edwards will see substantial time at shortstop. Despite this, during spring training, he has been playing this position. Edwards appeared in 28 games with a .295 average.
Third Baseman: Jake Burger
In addition to Bell, Jake Burger was acquired during the 2023 trade deadline. Burger was a big part in propelling the Marlins to a playoff berth. In 2023, Burger played 141 games between the Marlins and Chicago White Sox, posting 34 home runs, 80 RBI, and a .828 OPS. He has expressed his excitement about playing with former teammate Anderson, so hopefully, they can also keep those good vibes on the field.
Outfielders: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bryan De La Cruz, Jesús Sánchez, and Nick Gordon
Jazz Chisholm Jr., who originally was a second baseman but switched to the outfield, will most likely be the centerfield for the Marlins in 2023. Due to injuries, he would play in only 97 games in 2023 and posted 19 home runs and 51 RBI.
Bryan De La Cruz played right field for the Marlins in 2023 and is projected to remain there. Last season, he played in a career-high 152 games and posted 19 home runs, 78 RBI, and a .715 OPS. Jesús Sánchez will likely be the Marlins’ left fielder. In 2023, he posted 14 home runs and a .777 OPS in 123 games played.
Nick Gordon was acquired during the offseason from the Minnesota Twins. While he can play both second base and shortstop, he will probably be in the outfield for Miami. Due to injuries in 2023, he would play in only 34 games and had two home runs and seven RBI. If needed, he could be used as a utility player.
Designated Hitter: Avisal Garcia
Since the Marlins lost Jorge Soler to the San Francisco Giants, questions have been looming about who could replace him as a DH. While Garcia is no Jorge Soler due to his injury history, the Marlins might not be able to use him defensively, but rather, he should be used at DH. In 2023, he played only 37 games and posted a mere .185 average and three home runs.
Main Photo Credits: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
