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That Balls Outta Here

Phillies 2020 opponent outlook: Miami Marlins

By George Stockburger

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins reacts during a simulated game at Marlins Park on July 10, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins reacts during a simulated game at Marlins Park on July 10, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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JUPITER, FL – MARCH 10: Jesus Aguilar #24 of the Miami Marlins in action against the Washington Nationals during a spring training baseball game 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: Jesus Aguilar #24 of the Miami Marlins in action against the Washington Nationals during a spring training baseball game at Roger Dean Stadium on March 10, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. The Marlins defeated the Nationals 3-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The Phillies will have to face a more potent Marlins lineup

When the Marlins were preparing for the 2020 season they were likely looking diamonds in the rough who could turn into either capable players or trade chips. Their ability to trade guys might be hindered with less time before the August 31 trade deadline, but they might have picked up those diamonds that could help push them back towards contention.

Catcher – Jorge Alfaro

Phillies fans are very familiar with Jorge Alfaro, top highly-touted catching prospect acquired in the Cole Hamels deal and laster traded to Miami for J.T. Realmuto. Alfaro showed flashes in Philadelphia with tremendous raw power and a great arm behind the plate, but he couldn’t put it together consistently. Alfaro hit a career-high 18 home runs last year for Miami and repeated his .262 batting average

First Base – Jesus Aguilar

As mentioned earlier, Jesus Aguilar can be a potent cleanup hitter for Miami, but he’s coming off a down season with the Brewers where he was traded to the Rays. Now on his fourth team in five years, Aguilar needs to show consistent power and the ability to hit for at least a reasonable average to stay in the big leagues.

Second Base – Isan Diaz/Jonathan Villar

The Marlins website depth chart has Diaz, who was once a top-10 prospect in the organization, as the team’s starting second baseman. Last year in juts 49 games Diaz hit .173 with five home runs, certainly not enough to secure a starting job. Miami could ride it out with him and see if he develops or play Villar and hope to trade him.

Third Base – Jonathan Villar/Brian Anderson

Villar is listed as the Marlins starting third baseman with Brian Anderson, who split time at third and right last year, as the backup. Villar is an average big leaguer with some speed and pop who should help Miami, but he’s a guy who might net them a mid-level prospect at the trade deadline if he gets hot early.

Shortstop – Miguel Rojas

Miguel Rojas is one of the few returning starters for the Miami infield after being among their WAR leaders over the last three seasons. Last year he hit a career-high 29 doubles and raised his batting average to .284 for the fish.

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