MIAMI — A lot can — and probably will — happen between now and the start of the 2015 season. Even so, here’s an analysis of what the Marlins roster may look like next year:
Catcher: Jarrod Saltalamacchia has been error-prone on defense and disappointing on offense. But he is signed for two more years. So, unless the Marlins can find a taker for his contract, he will be their starter. Jeff Mathis has one more year on his deal as the backup.
First base: Garrett Jones and Jeff Baker both have one year left on their deals. Jones, the lefty hitter, gets most of the starts. But Baker has earned his spot, leading the team with a .355 batting average as a pinch-hitter.
Second base: Who knows? The Marlins have tried seven second basemen this year, and all we really know is that injury-prone/free-agent bust Rafael Furcal won’t be back. The Marlins will surely shop for a new second baseman via a trade or free agency. The in-house candidates are Donovan Solano, Jordany Valdespin, Derek Dietrich, Ed Lucas and Enrique Hernandez. Baker has also played some at second.
Shortstop: Adeiny Hechavarria is a stellar fielder and here for the long haul.
Third base: Veteran Casey McGehee was a great pickup.
Outfield: Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich form one of baseball’s best young outfields. Reserve Reed Johnson will be a free agent, and the Marlins would love to bring him back at the right price.
Rotation: A lot depends on when Jose Fernandez will be ready to return from Tommy John surgery. The rest of the rotation is set with Henderson Alvarez, Nathan Eovaldi, Tom Koehler and Jarred Cosart. Perhaps rookie Andrew Heaney will get another chance while Fernandez recovers.
Bullpen: Steve Cishek is your closer. The primary set-up men are Bryan Morris, A.J. Ramos and lefty Mike Dunn. Lefty Brad Hand has shown enough to make it as a long reliever/spot starter. And that would leave one spot open for a competition between Chris Hatcher, Sam Dyson and lefty Dan Jennings.
Injuries, contract issues and trades can change things, of course. But, for now, second base and the health of Fernandez are the main story lines to watch regarding the Marlins’ plans for next year.
