How soon to do you see Victor Victor Mesa, Victor Mesa Jr. and Sandy Gaston signing? Is it possible the Marlins get the brothers or all three?
-- @CraigShoupNH
Major League Baseball recently declared all three as free agents, meaning they can sign whenever a deal is reached. So it could technically happen quickly. But this is a business, and it's a matter of establishing the market for all three to measure which clubs are the most serious. That can take a little while. As MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reported, about 75 scouts attended their showcase on Friday at Marlins Park.
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I can say the Marlins have serious interest in all three and are aiming to sign all three. The Marlins have the second-highest amount of international bonus pool money, with only the Orioles ahead. Miami had $4.3 million before adding to that number when they dealt right-hand prospect Ryan Lillie to the Reds and right-handed reliever Kyle Barraclough to the Nationals, both for undisclosed amounts of international bonus money.
Victor Victor Mesa, a 22-year-old outfielder, is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the top international player on the market. His brother, outfielder Victor Jr., is 17, and Gaston, a right-hander, is a 16-year-old and ranked No. 16 on the international market by MLB Pipeline. Along with touting Miami's large Cuban community, the Marlins also are pitching the organization's commitment to building from the Minor Leagues on up. Another advantage the Marlins feel they have is that vice president of player development and scouting Gary Denbo has a strong track record in developing prospects. He previously did so with the Yankees.
Putting away the wins and losses of the season, did the Marlins complete their goals for the year?
-- @kevinsantos1212
Last October, when Derek Jeter was introduced as chief executive officer, he preached the importance of building from the Minor Leagues up. The fact was there was not enough organizational depth to have sustainable success with the way the roster was constructed in 2017. The trades that were made during the last year brought in nearly 30 new players to the system. While the Minor League system added more quality depth, the big league club suffered the most, reflected by the 63-98 record.
From a development standpoint, the biggest takeaway from the Major League roster was that 24 rookies got a chance to play at some point. Sandy Alcantara, Trevor Richards, Pablo Lopez and others showed signs of promise. Even though some players struggled, like Lewis Brinson, getting him a full season in the big leagues also helps the organization in its evaluation process.
Where do you see Monte Harrison starting next season, and when do you feel he realistically could be called up to the Marlins?
-- @fsutoby
One of the centerpiece players in the Christian Yelich trade with the Brewers, Harrison is a power-hitting outfielder who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Miami's No. 1 prospect. The 23-year-old outfielder hit 19 home runs and drove in 48 runs at Double-A Jacksonville. The concern is his high strikeout rate, as he fanned 215 times with the Jumbo Shrimp. How quickly he reaches the big leagues will depend largely on his ability to make more contact, because when he does, he has the chance to be extremely impactful.
According to the Marlins' advanced data, 20 percent of the balls Harrison put in play had an exit velocity of more than 105 mph. That was the seventh-highest of more than 400 hitters at Double-A. Keep in mind, the 2018 season was a transitional one for Harrison. In Spring Training, he was reworking his swing, so having some struggles wasn't entirely unexpected in a season of development. Harrison will participate in the Arizona Fall League, which should give an indication of how he handles higher-level pitching.
I've seen rumors that Derek Dietrich might get non-tendered. Is there substance to this? If so, why would they non-tender rather than trading to the highest bidder?
-- @jason_beland
The speculation is raised because Dietrich, 29, will be entering his third year of arbitration, and his salary likely will jump at least a couple million more dollars from the $2.9 million he made in 2018. The Marlins explored trade possibilities for Dietrich in July, but no team showed serious interest. In the offseason, Miami likely will explore trade possibilities with more teams. If there isn't a trade fit, non-tendering Dietrich is certainly possible. Dietrich had 16 home runs and drove in 45 runs, but finding a position for him has been an issue. He is not a true outfielder, but played a lot of left field. Perhaps first base could be an option if he stays.
Do you see the Marlins signing a free agent closer or do they already have their closer on the roster?
-- @patrick_rotella
Closing out games was obviously a struggle for the bullpen: it converted 30 saves to 22 blown saves. But not all of them were in the ninth inning by the closer. That accounts for any late-inning lead surrendered by the bullpen. To address it in free agency, when the team is still building, isn't likely where the organization will allocate its resources. Internal candidates are Drew Steckenrider and Kyle Barraclough. Both had their ups and downs in the closer role and are still under club control. Adam Conley is another internal candidate. I do think the Marlins could bring in someone with closing experience, but I just don't think it will be a high-priced free agent at this time.