The Miami Marlins’ 2023 season came to a disappointing close with a two-game playoff sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. After a thrilling regular season that saw the Marlins make the playoffs in a full season, for the first time in 20 years and achieve a winning record for the first time since 2009, the abrupt exit left fans with mixed emotions.
The Marlins’ playoff dreams were dashed as they lost both games of the short series to the Phillies, culminating in a 7-1 loss in the final game. The Marlins struggled to ignite their offense throughout the series, failing to find their groove when it mattered most.
The series closing game saw starting pitcher Braxton Garrett struggle, surrendering two runs in just three innings before being pulled from the game. The Marlins’ bullpen was unable to stem the tide, giving up four more runs, ultimately allowing the Phillies to tag seven runs before the Marlins finally got on the board with Josh Bell’s late RBI single in the 9th inning.
A Season of Milestones
Despite the disappointing playoff exit, the Marlins can look back on the 2023 season with pride and satisfaction. This year marked a significant turning point for the franchise. Making the playoffs in a full season of play for the first time in two decades was a monumental achievement, and the Marlins’ first winning record in 14 years underscored their progress.
One of the standout performers of the season was Luis Arraez, who lived up to the hype by winning the National League batting title. Arraez made history by becoming the first player ever to win consecutive batting titles in both the American and National League.
Pitching phenom Eury Perez also made a memorable debut, showcasing his talent by delivering five unhittable starts and finishing the year with an impressive 3.15 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Expectations are high for Perez’s sophomore year, as he continues to develop and acclimate to the high-level competition.
The Marlins made some impactful additions to their roster during the season, bringing in players like Jake Burger and Josh Bell. These acquisitions provided steady bats and came through with clutch hits, powering the Marlins on their playoff run. The impact of these mid-season trades was evident, and they played a crucial role in the Marlins’ success.
Additionally, Marlins fans responded enthusiastically to the team’s playoff run, with attendance figures showing a remarkable 43.2% increase compared to the previous season, drawing in over a million fans. The renewed excitement in Miami baseball was palpable.
Areas for Improvement
While the Marlins enjoyed considerable success in 2023, there are areas that require attention heading into the offseason. The most pressing concern is the bullpen, which proved to be shaky throughout the season. Too many games were lost due to bullpen struggles, leaving fans anxious in close situations. Strengthening the bullpen will be a top priority for the Marlins’ front office.
Another glaring issue is the Marlins’ run differential, which ended the season at a dismal -57, setting a record for the worst run differential for a playoff team. The Marlins struggled to score runs consistently, and despite their playoff berth, they lacked the offensive firepower needed to compete at the highest level. Investing in their offense will be crucial if they hope to become serious contenders in the future.
A Bright Future
In the end, the 2023 season was a tale of two sides for the Miami Marlins. While the playoff sweep by the Phillies was disappointing, the season as a whole marked a significant step forward for the franchise. The Marlins have rekindled excitement among their fanbase, tasted postseason baseball once again, and demonstrated their potential to contend in the future. The ball is now in the management’s court to decide if they are willing to make the financial investments necessary to take the next step towards greatness.
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