MIAMI -- As the Marlins close out the home portion of their schedule on Sunday, the organization remains open to exploring ways to upgrade for next season.

With manager Don Mattingly now signed for two more years, through 2021, management will be in position to move quickly in making plans for how to improve the big league roster in '20.

Clearly, upgrades are needed after a second straight last-place finish. They could come through trades, free-agent acquisitions or internally, with several touted prospects getting closer to being ready.

“Our job is to make our team better,” chief executive officer Derek Jeter said. “Having said that, especially since the Trade Deadline, we have guys who are on the brink. They’re coming. They’re coming quickly. You want to make sure that you give them enough time to continue to develop. But you also don’t want to block their way. We’ll sit down and have those conversations.”

Before the July 31 Trade Deadline, the Marlins made three trades that reeled in three potentially high-end left-handed-hitting position players.

Outfielder Jesus Sanchez, Miami’s No. 3 prospect, was brought in from the Rays. Shortstop Jazz Chisholm (No. 4 prospect) was obtained from the D-backs and first baseman Lewin Diaz (No. 12) joined the organization from the Twins.

“Our mindset may have changed a little bit since the Trade Deadline, adding Lewin and Jesus and Jazz,” Jeter said. “These are guys, when they’re ready, they’re going to be here. And they’re going to be ready soon.”

The progression of three of their better hitting prospects will play a part in what types of free agents or trades Miami considers.

As the Marlins enter year three of their building process, they are not expected to pursue a big-ticket free agent. Meaning a player seeking more than $100 million over multiple years. But they still are open to signing more modestly priced options.

Trades are another possibility, and a likely one.

But unlike the past two offseasons, when the Marlins were at the forefront of the Hot Stove trading market, they don’t currently have that marquee player who will command high interest.

Two years ago, Miami was extremely active and dealt Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees, Christian Yelich to the Brewers, Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals and Dee Gordon to the Mariners. A year ago, J.T. Realmuto was highly coveted, and it took four months before he was dealt to the Phillies.

There is no All-Star caliber veteran on the market this season. And the Marlins are getting closer to turning the corner and looking to acquire and bring in more established players than look to move them out.

From within, Diaz, who was part of the Sergio Romo trade with the Twins, is a candidate to compete for a first-base spot in 2020. Chisholm joined the Marlins for Zac Gallen, and Sanchez was obtained from the Rays as part of the Trevor Richards, Nick Anderson deal.

Diaz combined to hit .270/.321/.530 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs in the Minors this year. Sanchez hit .260/.325/.398 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs. Chisholm hit .284/.383/.494 with three homers and 10 RBIs at Double-A Jacksonville. Overall, he hit. 220/.321/.441 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs.

Diaz, Sanchez and Chisholm are participating this month in the Marlins’ instructional league. On Tuesday, they played in a scrimmage at Marlins Park.

“You could see the talent that’s been added to the organization,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. “It’s the reason why we’re so excited about where we’re going as an organization. Derek said it perfectly. We’re going to be mindful of our prospects.”