Marlins’ Playoff Hopes Slip Away Despite Strong Finish and Rising Star Kyle Stowers
The Miami Marlins put forth a commendable effort in their quest for a playoff spot this season, but ultimately fell short once again. After a season filled with ups and downs, the Marlins’ inability to secure a postseason berth has left fans and analysts reflecting on what could have been. Here are five key takeaways from Miami’s journey this year.
Second Half Surge and Missed Opportunities
Miami entered the All-Star break with a record of 44-51, raising questions about the team’s direction. Rumors swirled that the Marlins might become sellers at the trade deadline, with both Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera rumored to be on the move. However, the front office decided to retain these key pitchers, a decision that appeared to pay off in the latter part of the season.
Post-All-Star break, the Marlins displayed newfound vigor, finishing with an 8-4 record leading up to the trade deadline. By the end of the season, they concluded the second half with a respectable 35-32 record, bringing them tantalizingly close to playoff contention. Yet, despite their late surge, they ultimately missed the postseason by a narrow four-game margin, a painful reminder of the challenges they faced earlier in the season.
Kyle Stowers’ Breakout Performance
One of the bright spots for the Marlins was the emergence of Kyle Stowers, who solidified his status as a future star. Acquired in a trade for Trevor Rogers, Stowers showcased his talent with an impressive offensive output. Over the course of 117 games, he posted a slash line of .288/.368/.544, belting 25 home runs and driving in 74 runs.
His season was cut short due to an oblique injury, but even with this setback, he made a significant impact. Stowers finished the season ranked 10th in wRC+, 8th in slugging percentage, and 9th in OPS, alongside a bWAR of 3.6. Many believe that had he remained healthy, he would have surpassed the 30-home run mark and possibly reached 100 RBIs. Additionally, his nomination for the NL Gold Glove award in left field speaks volumes about his defensive prowess. If he can maintain his health, the Marlins may have a true All-Star in their midst.
A Bullpen Worthy of Recognition
While the Marlins’ bullpen struggled in various metrics throughout the season, the core group of relievers proved resilient. Six bullpen arms made at least 44 appearances, and all maintained an ERA under 4.00, with four of them finishing below 3.00.
Ronny Henriquez emerged as a standout, making 69 appearances and posting a stellar 2.22 ERA alongside 98 strikeouts over 73 innings. Anthony Bender also excelled with a 2.16 ERA across 51 outings. Cade Gibson contributed with a solid 2.63 ERA, while Tyler Phillips captured the fans’ attention with his dynamic performance. Phillips made 54 appearances, throwing 77.2 innings with a 2.78 ERA, and his electric entrance music became a fan favorite. His 0.69 ERA in September marked a strong finish to the season, solidifying his reputation as one of the more exciting relievers in baseball.
As the Marlins reflect on a season that had its share of highs and lows, the journey toward future success will rely on building upon the lessons learned and the talents discovered along the way.
