Marlins hoping Giancarlo Stanton can emerge as a leader

Martin Prado has proven to be the leader in Miami’s clubhouse, but the Marlins want another leader to emerge.

The Marlins are hoping Giancarlo Stanton proves to be a leader in the clubhouse starting next season, according to Today’s Knuckleball’s Jon Heyman:

The Marlins hope star slugger Giancarlo Stanton can step forward as a leader this year, and they are encouraged after the leadership mantle he took in the wake of the Jose Fernandez tragedy. Stanton gave a very nice heartfelt, stirring speech to the team at the lowest moment possible.

Though he isn’t known for being vocal, Stanton arguably leads with offensive production. Over 119 games last season, he batted .240/.326/.489 with 27 home runs and 74 RBIs.

After the Marlins acquired him, Prado became the team’s veteran leadership figure. The Marlins would almost certainly benefit from another.

When the Marlins took the field after Jose Fernandez’s passing, Stanton appeared to be taking initiative with regard to keeping the team together. Now, it seems the Marlins want him to do just that in 2017.