With a record of 62-100 last year the Miami Marlins had a failed season. After seeing what their record was why are some people talking Marlins playoffs in 2014? The answer is actually quite simple. PROSPECTS. The brightest star of them all is rookie Jose Fernandez. Fernandez was named the National League rookie of the year and for good reason. Over 28 starts Fernandez accumulated an ERA of 2.19, striking out 187 men over 172.2 innings. He won 12 games and lost six with a WAR of 6.3! This is the main player besides Giancarlo Stanton that the Marlins are looking to build their team around.
Stanton has been a fan favorite in Miami since 2010 when he hit 22 home runs in 100 games then followed it up with 34 home runs and a WAR of 3.9. His 2013 campaign was a disappointment as he batted a career low .249 hitting only 24 home runs in 425 at-bats. To put that into perspective in his rookie season he hit his 22 home runs in only 359 at-bats. Last season he hit 24 homers in 425 at-bats. Considering that 24 home runs and 62 RBIs was down for him assume he will go back to his old ways.
Other players that could help the Marlins make the push will include Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick. Both will be controlling the outfield and both are bright, young prospects. Yelich was drafted in the first round in 2010 and was called up to the Majors in late July. His double-a numbers were spectacular as he batted .280 with seven home runs and five stolen bags. Marisnick was traded to the Marlins in the Mark Buehrle trade. Marisnick struggled in 40 major league games last season batting .183 with 27 strikeouts. This is to be expected from a 22 year-old kid who has never had any major league experience.
Finally the number one overall prospect for the Marlins is left handed pitcher Andrew Heaney. His ERA since 2012 is 2.21 with 10 wins and only five losses. He has struck out 119 men over over 122.1 innings pitched and is set to be the next pitcher to get the call up.
Unfortunately for the Marlins, unless they can get another bat in their lineup through trades and or free agency the chances of them making a playoff push in 2014 is very unlikely. The one positive that comes of this team is that they are going to be very good within the next three years. Believe it or not but the Miami Marlins could be a major threat to the NL East come 2016.