After qualifying for the playoffs in 2023, the Miami Marlins set out to strengthen their playoff-caliber team through off-season acquisitions. However, they failed to secure any big-name players, and their few acquisitions have been disappointing. Currently, they are last in the National League East with a record of 32-60, which is a significant decline from the previous season. As the All-Star break approaches, it’s worth examining the performance and impact of the Marlins’ offseason acquisitions at the midseason mark.
Midseason Review of Marlins’ Offseason Acquisitions
Tim Anderson
Headlining the Marlins off-season acquisitions was veteran shortstop Tim Anderson. He signed a one-year deal with them in February after spending seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Anderson was coming off a career-worst year in 2023 slashing .245/.286/.296 with one home run and 25 RBI. 2024 was supposed to be one where he bounced back from his slump and reverted to his all-star self. Instead, the woes only continued this season for the shortstop.
This season in 65 games with the Marlins he slashed .214/.237/.226 with no home runs and 9 RBI. On top of his issues at the plate, he also made 9 errors. These numbers led the Fish to designate him for assignment on July 2. This is a primary example of the Marlins’ front office failing to obtain quality bats to help with their offense.
Trey Mancini
The 2021 Comeback Player of the Year, Trey Mancini signed a minor league deal with the Marlins during the off-season. Last season with the Chicago Cubs he played in 79 games and had 4 home runs, 28 RBI, and a .234 batting average. One of the biggest names they acquired wouldn’t stay for long. The first baseman opted out of his contract in March and became a free agent.
Nick Gordon
The Marlins acquired left fielder Nick Gordon from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for left-handed pitcher Steven Okert. Gordon missed the majority of 2023 due to a broken tibia, he only played in 34 games where he posted 2 HR and 7 RBI. The 28-year-old was brought to Miami as a utility man to fill any roles. So far this season in 78 games he is hitting .225 with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 213 at-bats. While he has not been great, he is one of the more consistent bats for the Marlins. Gordon is arguably performing the best out of the offseason acquisitions the Marlins made.
Christian Bethancourt
Former Tampa Bay Rays catcher Christian Bethancourt was acquired by the Marlins in exchange for cash consideration from the Cleveland Guardians. In 2023, he played in 101 games and posted a .225 average, with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. He was brought in after Jacob Stalling signed with the Colorado Rockies. Bethancourt started this season on the wrong foot going 0-for-33 at the plate. It only got worse and in 2024 he has played in 38 games, he has slashed .159/.198/.268 with 22 strikeouts. Similar to Anderson, due to his lack of offensive production Bethancourt was designated for assignment in late June.
The Marlins are on the road to rebuilding after their abysmal start to this season. They had a postseason-worthy team just last season but were unable to acquire any quality bats to help their offense.
Main Photo: © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
