After making the MLB Playoffs in the COVID-19 shortened, 60-game season in 2020, the Miami Marlins failed to make a sustained postseason push this season. The Marlins posted a dismal 67-95 record, finishing fourth in the National League East.
Perhaps the only highlight of the campaign was losing two fewer games than the Washington Nationals, who finished fifth in the NL East. Still, the Marlins finished 21.5 games behind NL East winners, the Atlanta Braves – who are fighting for a place in the Fall Classic. Baseball fans are preparing for the World Series and can enjoy October’s sports beisbol insight before doing their apuesas beisbol on the team they believe will win the Fall Classic.
Miami goes into the offseason with six players set for free agency. General Manager Kim Ng is already looking at reshaping the squad, but where do the Marlins go next with six free agents leaving the squad?
Which players are out of contract?
Joe Panik headlines the names on the Marlins free agency list. Panik joined the club on June 29 in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. The former All-Star and World Series winner hit just .172 in 53 games. He was shut down late in the campaign due to injury. Panik has already elected for free agency. He made over $1.8 million in 2021.
Although catcher Sandy Leon helped the Marlins’ young pitching staff, he wasn’t as valuable at the plate. He signed a minor league contract but got moved up to the Big League squad in April due to injuries. He hit just .183 in 220 plate appearances while adding four home runs and 14 RBI. Leon made over $1.25M in 2021.
Four pitchers hit the free agency market for the Marlins. Austin Pruitt, Luis Madero, Shawn Mormando, and Bryan Mitchell each earned under $620,000 respectively. Pruitt joined the team in July from the Houston Astros He elected for free agency after being designated for assignment by the baseball club.
Madero made just six appearances for the Fish posting a 9.00 ERA. His loss won’t be felt too much by Miami. Morimando technically isn’t a free agent after signing for Chinese Professional Baseball League team CTBC Brothers in September. The pitcher appeared in just four games before he was designated for assignment.
Mitchell has also elected free agency after being placed on waivers by the Marlins. The right-hand pitcher signed with the Marlins in July after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league team, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Will the loss of free agents hamper the Marlins 2022?
On paper, the losses of Panik, Leon, and the four pitchers shouldn’t hurt the Fish going forward. The four hurlers did not have strong seasons in limited appearances for Don Mattingly’s team. Panik and Leon could have play big parts in the Marlins’ season.
Panik spent a half a season in Miami and notched his lowest-ever batting average .172 (.208 for the full season). A former All-Star, there is hope that Panik can rebound after a down season. Leon could also be a valuable defensive asset, but his offensive deficiencies may not be enough to warrant a return. His options elsewhere could be limited.
Miami Marlins free agents for 2022 - Fish Stripes
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