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Fantasy baseball: 2020 Miami Marlins fantasy preview

By Mike Marteny

JUPITER, FL - MARCH 10: Pitcher Caleb Smith #31 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium on March 10, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. The Marlins defeated the Nationals 3-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
JUPITER, FL - MARCH 10: Pitcher Caleb Smith #31 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium on March 10, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. The Marlins defeated the Nationals 3-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – MARCH 03: Jordan Yamamoto #50 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the at Clover Park on March 03, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

2020 Miami Marlins projected starting rotation

Caleb Smith, LHP (10-11, 4.52 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 168 K in 28 starts)
Sandy Alcantara, RHP (6-14, 3.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 151 K in 32 starts)
Jose Urena, RHP (4-10, 5.21 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 62 K in 13 starts)
Pablo Lopez, RHP (5-8, 5.09 ERA, 1.24WHIP, 95 K in 21 starts
Jordan Yamamoto, RHP (4-5, 4.46 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 82 K in 15 starts)
Brandon Kintzler, RHP (3-3, 2.68 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 48 K, 1/3 saves in 57 IP)

This is the same rotation as the end of last season, which is rare on any team. If you read my DFS articles last year, I was becoming a big Caleb Smith fan. I’m not going to reach for him because the ERA is still a bit much, but he’s money at home and had good strikeout numbers. I’d be happy with him in the middle of my rotation.

The WHIP for both Yamamoto and Lopez shows that they deserved better last year. With an improved offense supporting them, they should have better numbers all around. I like Yamamoto the most of the two, but I don’t know if we can expect a strikeout per inning out of him over the course of a full season. They are both back of the rotation fliers.

Relying on a 35 year old closer who hasn’t been a closer since the middle of 2017 is probably more risky for your fantasy team than the Marlins. At least the Marlins have something to fall back on. In fact, Kintzler may not even carry the job into the regular season, whenever that starts.

Kintzler blew his only save chance in the spring while Yimi Garcia, Brad Boxberger, and Stephen Tarpley all completed their only chance. Garcia seems to be the heir-apparent, but both are risky if you are drafting them just for saves. Garcia’s strong spring means Kintzler has a very short leash.

Prospects to watch:

Sixto Sanchez has not yet pitched a AAA inning, but may think he’s ready. Sanchez has a 2.58 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 335.1 career minor league innings. If any of the young starting five falter or get hurt, Sanchez will be the first to get the call if he starts strong at AAA. Sanchez can be stashed in leagues with deep benches. He has strong minor league numbers across the board.

The Marlins have four more pitchers that could ascend to the majors this season. Robert Dugger was a part of this rotation at the end of last year and will start in the bullpen. So will Sterling Sharp. Both of them may get the early chance to replace someone in the rotation over Sanchez. That doesn’t mean that they are better prospects. That just means that the Marlins aren’t a contender this year. They wont bring up Sanchez unless he forces their hand.

Next. Fantasy Baseball 2020 tiered SP rankings. dark

There are 27 more of these where this came from! Sports may be on hold, but we will have baseball sometime this season. We here at FanSided Fantasy are going to make sure you’re prepared!

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