After a promising 2023 season, during which the Miami Marlins finished with an impressive 84-78 record securing a 2nd wild card place finish, hopes were high entering the 2024 season. With a youthful core in both batting and pitching departments poised for growth, the Marlins seemed primed for another postseason push. However, since October of 2023, everything that could have gone wrong seems to have gone wrong. This begs the question - What’s going on in Miami?
The Offense:
The Marlins' offense has stumbled out of the gate this season. With only one player (Jake Burger) boasting an OPS above 700 and just two players hitting above .235, their struggles at the plate are evident. Despite their struggles, the Marlins have been able to continue getting guys on base at a pace that does not reflect the worst team in baseball, but their issues lie in driving them in. This season, the Marlins have been one of baseball’s worst teams at hitting with runners in scoring position. Miami ranks among the worst in baseball when it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position, batting a meager .225 with a .559 OPS. Star performers from the previous season like Luis Arraez and Josh Bell have failed to find their rhythm, and with the departure of their leading home run hitter Jorge Soler, the offense is starved for runs.
The Pitching:
Heading into the season, there were uncertainties surrounding the Marlins' pitching staff. With ace Sandy Alcantara sidelined for the entire 2024 season, there was a clear need to strengthen the starting rotation. However, the Marlins opted to enter the season with AJ Puk, a former relief pitcher, in the rotation. This decision backfired when promising rookie starter Eury Perez succumbed to Tommy John Surgery. Consequently, the starting pitching unit has struggled, ranking among the league's worst in both ERA and WHIP.
The bullpen, which was lackluster in 2023, has faced further challenges this season. With AJ Puk transitioning to the starting rotation, and the departure of David Robertson, Miami lost depth in their relief corps, amplifying their bullpen woes.
With the Marlins now standing at 0-9, and their issues not being simple fixes, this could prove to be a very long and dull season in Miami.
Comments