Miami Marlins 2016 Fantasy Outlook

Mar 22, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) rounds the bases and scores a run during a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins 2016 Fantasy Outlook

The Marlins are trying to make good on their promise to build around Giancarlo Stanton. While this team might not contend for the division crown this year, they have the feel of the Mets about two years ago. The fans sure hope so, anyway.

Miami Marlins 2016 Projected Starting Lineup:

C: J.T. Realmuto (.259, 10HR, 47RBI)
1B: Justin Bour (.262, 23HR, 73RBI)
2B: Dee Gordon (.333, 4HR, 46RBI, 58SB)
SS: Adeiny Hechavarria (.281, 5HR, 48RBI, 7SB)
3B: Martin Prado (.288, 9HR, 63RBI)
LF: Christian Yelich (.300, 7HR, 44RBI, 16SB)
CF: Marcell Ozuna (.259, 10HR, 44RBI)
RF: Giancarlo Stanton (.265, 27HR, 67RBI in 279 AB)

If the power that Realmuto showed picks up this year, he will be a standard league option. His average will hurt a little bit, but getting 15-20 home runs from a catcher is not common. He is worth a flier late in standard leagues if you wait on a catcher.

Bour slugged 23 home runs last year, and many think that he can get 30 this year. If he does and still hits .260, he is a solid standard league option when the elite first basemen are gone. He could be a value where he is going in drafts (19th round).

Gordon is Billy Hamilton with about 120 extra batting average points. His elite speed and being on a team that lets him run makes him an elite option at second base. How much do you want to pay for steals? I have seen Gordon go anywhere from late second round to early fifth round. If he is around in the fourth, I’m taking him.

Hechavarria is a good example of a guy that wont hurt you. He wont get you enough to use him in standard leagues, but he is valuable in deeper leagues.

Prado’s power is almost gone, but he is going to be in a good lineup, so his runs total should go up. He still drives them in and hits for a good average. You can do much worse in deeper leagues.

Yelich is right in the fringe in standard leagues. I would take him later because of the upside. He is a .300 hitter who could swipe 25 bags and hit 10 home runs. That’s good enough for me! Besides, you need someone to help your average if you take Chris Davis or Brian McCann.

Ozuna has a lot of potential as well, but for now, I would only use him to round out my outfield in leagues of 12 or more teams. You standard league players can keep an eye on him and see if the average and power develops.

Stanton could lead the league in home runs if he plays a full season. He hit 27 in just 279 at bats last year. That is on pace for 56 over a full season! He has the best chance of anyone in the game to hit 50 this year. He is a sure-fire first round pick.

Next: How Will The Rotation Shape Up?

Mar 22, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins 2016 Projected Pitching Rotation:

Wei-Yin Chen (11-8, 3.34 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 153K)
Jose Fernandez (6-1, 2.92 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 79K in 64.2 IP)
Tom Koehler (11-14, 4.08 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 137K)
Adam Conley (4-1, 3.76 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 59K in 67 IP)
Jarred Cosart (2-5, 4.52 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 47K in 69.2 IP)
A.J. Ramos (2-4, 2.30 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 87K in 70.1 IP, 32/38 saves)

Chen is a solid middle of the rotation guy. He doesn’t do anything flashy, but a move to the NL could help his numbers some. I see him slipping in drafts. Snag him for the middle of your rotation. You likely wont be disappointed.

The concerns around Fernandez are largely unfounded. He was dominant last year after his return. The arm issues are behind him, and he is in his prime. I trust him more than Strasburg, and he is going around the same area. Fernandez could be a steal in the fifth round.

Koehler could be a serviceable spot starter in deep leagues. He wont really help anywhere else.

Conley looked good in his first taste of the big leagues last year. He is worth a slot in 12 team leagues or larger. You standard leaguers should watch how he does early and be ready to pounce.

Cosart is barely worth a spot start at this point. He does have some potential, but don’t risk your stats on him until he puts together a good outing or two.

Ramos has a high strikeout rate and should see plenty of save chances this year. I am happy to take him among the second tier of closers. He could be a great bargain there!

Next: What Prospects Are Worth Watching?

Jul 12, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; World pitcher Jarlin Garcia (33) pitches during the second inning against USA Team in the All Star Futures Game at Great American Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

We will take a look at a few prospects that could crack the majors for the Marlins this year, and in what type of leagues you should be looking for them in. The Marlins are still in rebuilding mode, so there are plenty! Let’s get started!

Jarlin Garcia, LHP: Garcia has a chance to crack the rotation if Cosart, Koehler, or Conley struggle. He has good control, and should be able to post decent strikeout numbers. He will be worth a look in deeper leagues if he gets the call and has a consistent rotation slot.

Kendry Flores, RHP: Flores went 1-2 with a 4.97 ERA in seven major league appearances last year. He will likely be a starter, but if the Marlins need help in the bullpen, Flores will wind up there again. His minor league numbers (6-5, 2.29 ERA, 0.95 WHIP in 21 starts) suggest that he could be worth a look in deeper leagues once he gets a rotation spot.

Jake Esch, RHP: Esch is a bit of a late bloomer due to him being primarily a shortstop in college. He does possess the stuff to be a solid back of the rotation starter. He is worth a look in deep leagues if he makes the jump to the majors this year.

J.T. Riddle, INF: Riddle could be valuable if the Marlins suffer injuries in the infield because he can play nearly everywhere. He is a solid hitter, but due to his unrefined power, wont be much of a fantasy asset. Keep an eye on him in deep leagues if he does make the jump though. The multi-position eligibility can’t be ignored.

Next: Can Alfred Morris Bounce Back?

Stay tuned for the rundown of every MLB team before Opening Day, our daily FanDuel picks, and the round by round picks for the NCAA Tournament!

Home/Fantasy Baseball