MIAMI -- After closing the book on the 2018 season on Sunday, the Marlins have hit the ground running in preparation for next year.
There are plenty of decisions ahead for the organization regarding payroll, free agency, arbitration, the 40-man roster and more.
To get a better understanding on what's ahead, MLB.com addresses some frequently asked offseason questions.
Where did the Marlins finish in the standings?
Miami finished 63-98, which was fifth in National League East. Because a Sept. 9 rainout game at Pittsburgh was not made up, the Marlins played 161 total games instead of 162.
Which Marlins are eligible for free agency?
The Marlins have no one on their active roster that has the necessary six-plus years of MLB service time to qualify for free agency.
Who could be headed to arbitration?
Heading the list is All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, who is arbitration-eligible for the second year. Realmuto remains a possibility to sign an extension or perhaps be traded.
Right-hander Dan Straily (second year), infielder Derek Dietrich (second year), shortstop Miguel Rojas (second year), right-hander Kyle Barraclough (first year), right-hander Jose Urena (first year) and left-hander Adam Conley also are in their arbitration years.
Generally, players with between three and six years of MLB service time are arbitration eligible.
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Will Miami non-tender any players?
Of their arbitration-eligible players, Straily and Dietrich are candidates to be non-tendered.
Because of their projected salary increases, the Marlins are likely to cut ties with either or both players. Other scenarios for Straily and Dietrich are, the Marlins could seek trades for either or both, or Miami could tender them and still look to work out a deal.
The non-tender deadline is Nov. 30. By that day, all clubs must tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players. Those non-tendered become free agents. Tendered players still can be traded. If a trade is not worked out, the club and player will work towards a contract for the 2019 season. Should negotiations reach an impasse, a panel of three arbitrators may ultimately decide the salary.
What does the 2019 payroll look like?
The 2018 Opening Day payroll for the 25-man roster was $99,510,143, according to the Cot's Baseball Contracts website. Projections should be in that range again in '19, although the range has not officially been set.
Currently, three players are signed for next year -- left-hander Wei-Yin Chen ($20 million player option), third baseman Martin Prado ($15 million) and second baseman Starlin Castro ($11 million). So, $46 million is locked up in three players. Prado and Castro, who has a $1 million buyout for '20, will come off the books, if they are still with the organization, after next season. Chen has a $22 million player option for '20, and in '21, he has a $16 million conditional player option.
Who will be added to the 40-man roster?
Over the next few weeks, the front office will be adding to and trimming from their 40-man roster.
Expected to be joining the 40-man roster are many of the organization's top prospects, including right-hander Jorge Guzman, outfielder Monte Harrison, infielder Isan Diaz, left-hander Jose Quijada and right-handers Zac Gallen, Nick Neidert, Robert Dugger, Tommy Eveld and Jordan Yamamoto.
If any of these players are not included on the 40-man roster, the Marlins then could risk losing them in the Rule 5 Draft, which takes place at the Winter Meetings in December.
What is the Marlins' 2019 Draft position?
The Marlins will have the fourth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. Here are some possibilities who could be available. From the high school ranks, outfielder Riley Greene (Oviedo, Fla.), right-hander Brennan Malone (Indian Trail, N.C.) and infielder Rece Hinds (Niceville, Fla.) are early favorites. A couple of college candidates are third baseman Josh Jung (Texas Tech) and catcher Shea Langeliers (Baylor).