Miami wants to add before the start of 2016. The Marlins are preparing for an active offseason, and according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the organization is expected to pursue a number two starter and closer this winter.
Throughout the course of 2015, the Marlins have been plagued by injuries and struggled to be consistent. Miami's starting staff has been without several arms in the opening day rotation and Giancarlo Stanton was out of the lineup with hand injury for an extensive period of time. The Marlins have already turned to 2016 and the changes expected are notable.
Dan Jennings is expected to return as Miami's GM with the organization hiring a more experienced manager. However, if Jennings does not return, the organization might internally change its strategy with regard to the type of players and depth needed.
Jose Fernandez successfully recovered from Tommy John surgery but after making a handful of starts was placed on the disabled list with a right biceps strain. While the Marlins are confident Fernandez will return healthy in 2016, the desire to add a number two starter might suggest Henderson Alvarez will not be ready come opening day. Alvarez is out with a shoulder injury, but if the Marlins add an additional arm, he could become a quality third option in the rotation.
Tom Koehler has also pitched well this season, but beyond that, the Marlins have decisions to make with regard to the pitching staff moving forward. David Phelps, Justin Nicolino, Adam Conley, Brad Hand, Jose Urena, and Kendry Flores have all seen time in the rotation this season.
While the Marlins have a desire to add starting pitching depth, the club wanting to add a closer is notable. Rosenthal adds the Marlins were interested in adding Aroldis Chapman before the non-waiver trade deadline after trading Steve Cishek to the Cardinals.
A.J. Ramos initially took over and has saved 23 contests this season but has also struggled over the last month. The Marlins' bullpen might be more successful with Ramos pitching in the eighth inning and a more experience closer tossing the ninth.
Ultimately, the Marlins are set to have a busy offseason. The moves they are successfully able to make are to be determined.