Offseason checklist: Marlins' needs, moves

MIAMI -- “Why not us?” was the Marlins’ battle cry in 2020, and the organization played up the underdog role as it reached the playoffs for the first time since '03.

Now that Miami has had a taste of being in the postseason, the club's offseason mission is to keep building on the momentum it established during the 2020 season.

“It was exciting for us to be one of the final four National League teams,” chief executive officer Derek Jeter said recently. “It’s a great step for us as an organization to see some of the progress that we had been able to make over the last three years.”

With a nucleus of young players either reaching the big leagues or getting close to reaching their prime, the Marlins have a foundation in place to achieve sustainable success.

“I was proud of the character of the team, the fight they showed throughout the season and the postseason,” Jeter said. “I think it’s important that we continue to make the progress that I talk about each and every year.”

? Hot Stove Tracker

Now that the Hot Stove season has come, MLB.com addresses the Marlins’ needs and tracks the offseason moves already made. As the offseason continues, be sure to check back for updates.

BIGGEST NEEDS

General manager
After parting ways with president of baseball operations Michael Hill on Oct. 18, the Marlins named Kim Ng to be their new general manager, making history in the process.

The first woman GM in MLB history, Ng said at her introductory news conference: “The first thing that needs to be done is I’ve got to really familiarize myself with all the ins and outs of the players on the 40-man roster, as well as in our Minor League system.”

In her first few days and weeks on the job, Ng involved herself in meetings with the rest of the front office as she works to establish that familiarity, with Hot Stove season having begun.

Catcher
Jorge Alfaro entered the season as the projected everyday catcher, but down the stretch and into the playoffs, Chad Wallach handled duties based on his defensive abilities and the belief that he handled the staff better. Based on Statcast's catcher framing metrics, Wallach had a 45.8 percent strike rate, compared to Alfaro’s 41.3 percent. Francisco Cervelli, who missed the final month due to a concussion, had a 47.6 percent rate, but he announced his retirement. Miami has brought in a veteran, signing Sandy León -- a 2018 World Series champion with the Red Sox -- to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Back end of bullpen

Miami did not pick up closer Brandon Kintzler’s $4 million club option and primary setup reliever Brad Boxberger became a free agent, opening the search for late-inning arms. The Marlins have signed right-hander Anthony Bass, who led the Blue Jays with seven saves in 2020, and left-hander Ross Detwiler. The club also acquired Dylan Floro from the Dodgers and sidearmer Adam Cimberfrom Cleveland. Righty Yimi García, who was used in high-leverage situations in 2020, is an in-house option to close. Southpaw Richard Bleier will also be asked to record big outs.

MOVES MADE

Feb. 12: Continuing to add to bullpen
The Marlins acquired right-hander Dylan Floro from the Dodgers for lefty Alex Vesia and 2020 fifth-round Draft pick Kyle Hurt. Floro, who pitched three games in last fall's World Series, is the latest experienced reliever to be added by Miami this offseason.

Jan. 28: Adding late-inning relief
The Marlins signed Anthony Bass to a two-year deal, with a club option for 2023. The 33-year-old right-hander has recorded 12 of his 15 career saves over the past two seasons. Miami designated for assignment righty Jordan Yamamoto in a corresponding roster move.

Jan. 16: Highly touted acquisition made official
The Marlins were busy to open the international signing period, inking 11 players to deals. Headlining the group was 18-year-old shortstop Yiddi Cappe, who ranks No. 10 on MLB Pipeline's list of the Top 30 international prospects.

Jan. 3: Switching out southpaws
The Marlins signed veteran Ross Detwiler to a one-year Major League deal and designated for assignment Stephen Tarpley as the corresponding 40-man roster move.

Jan. 3: Marlins ink seven to Minors deals
Infielder Eddy Alvarez, right-handers Anthony Bender, Alexander Guillen, Luis Madero and Zach Thompson as well as catchers Sandy León and Brian Navarreto received invites to Major League Spring Training.

Dec. 10: Marlins select Campbell in Rule 5 Draft, trade for Pop
Miami selected right-hander Paul Campbell from the Rays with the 13th pick before dealing for D-backs right-hander Zach Pop.

Dec. 7: Dugger returns to Seattle
Three years to the day Robert Dugger was traded to the Marlins, the right-hander is returning to the Mariners, who claimed him off waivers. Dugger had been dealt to Miami as part of the Dee Strange-Gordon trade.

Dec. 4: Coaching staff set
Keith Johnson was introduced as the new first-base coach, replacing Billy Hatcher. Johnson, who managed Triple-A New Orleans in 2018-19, will also coach the outfield. Lee Tressel was announced as the new Major League strength and conditioning coach, replacing Kevin Barr. Additionally, Adrian Lorenzo was named director of baseball operations, and Joey Nero was named assistant director of baseball operations.

Dec. 2: Non-tender deadline
First basemen Jesús Aguilar and Garrett Cooper reached agreement on one-year deals, avoiding arbitration. Right-handers Ryne Stanek and José Ure?a were non-tendered. Tendered contracts for 2021 were catcher Jorge Alfaro, third baseman Brian Anderson and relievers Yimi Garcia and Richard Bleier.

Nov. 30: Veteran starter DFA'd; reliever added
Ending speculation that he would be non-tendered, right-hander José Ure?a was designated for assignment. The 29-year-old had been a staple on the roster since 2015, and he was the Opening Day starter in 2018 and '19. The Marlins filled Ure?a's spot on the 40-man roster with right-handed reliever Adam Cimber, who was acquired via trade from the Indians for cash considerations.

Nov. 20: Two prospects added to 40-man roster
Infielder José Devers and outfielder Jerar Encarnación were added to the 40-man roster, which removes them from being eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. According to MLB Pipeline, Devers is Miami’s No. 13 prospect, and Encarnación is ranked 17th.

Nov. 17: Minor League free-agent signing
Free-agent right-hander Alexander Guillen was signed to a Minor League contract.

Nov. 13: Marlins make historic front-office hiring
The club named Kim Ng its new general manager, making her the first woman general manager in MLB history.

Oct. 31: Reinstatements from 60-day IL
Right-handers Jeff Brigham, Elieser Hernandez and Jordan Holloway, and infielder Isan Díaz and outfielder Harold Ramirez were added back to the 40-man roster.

Oct. 30: Kintzler’s option declined
Miami declined the $4 million club option for Kintzler, who has a $250,000 buyout. Kintzler elected free agency, and right-hander Johan Quezada was claimed off waivers by the Phillies.

Oct. 29: Three relievers outrighted
Right-handers Mike Morin and Josh A. Smith, and ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte were outrighted to Triple-A Wichita. All three elected free agency.

Oct. 28: Marte’s option picked up
The Marlins picked up Starling Marte’s $12.5 million club option for 2021.

Oct. 28: Relievers reinstated
Right-hander Drew Steckenrider and left-handers Brandon Liebrandt and Brian Moran were reinstated from the 60-day IL. All were outrighted to Triple-A Wichita, and each elected free agency.

Oct. 28: Six file for free agency
Right-handers Brad Boxberger and Nick Vincent, outfielder Matt Joyce, infielder Sean Rodríguez, catcher Francisco Cervelli (retirement) and infielder Logan Forsythe filed for free agency

Oct. 18: Hill parts ways
Hill parted ways with the Marlins after the two sides were unable to reach agreement on a new contract.

Oct. 14: Arthur signs Minors deal
Free-agent outfielder Andre Arthur signed a Minor League contract.