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On Monday, the Marlins extended Spring Training invitations to 14 players. Among them were Victor Victor Mesa, the team’s top prospect despite having signed only in October, and Pedro Alvarez, an All-Star and Silver Slugger with Pittsburgh in 2013. The soon-to-be 32-year-old will compete with Peter O’Brien and Garrett Cooper for first base duties in 2019.
Lots of names here we already knew on the Marlins spring training invite list, but some fun ones too. Deven Marrero confirmed. Hi, Pedro Alvarez! pic.twitter.com/VyLtmbsjsc
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) December 3, 2018
The organization also signed four catchers. Bryan Holaday, who backed up J.T. Realmuto last season, was the only backstop of the group with Major League experience. However, the stockpiling at the position further signifies that Realmuto is indeed on his way out of Miami.
Marlins are prepared to trade J.T. Realmuto because that means they can still keep the most athletic catcher in baseball for themselves Bryan Holaday is the star of our latest Fish Stripes highlights package! https://t.co/DA7s0o4Xx3 pic.twitter.com/OsghG65mWH
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) December 3, 2018
Two local boys came home, as RHP R.J. Alvarez from West Palm Beach signed after spending 2018 with Houston’s AAA farm club in Round Rock. He joined Miami native Deven Marrero, a utility man capable of playing all four infield spots who spent time with the Diamondbacks last year.
Two other signings of interest were 28-year-old Gabriel Guerrero, Vlad’s nephew, and Harold Ramirez. Yes, THIS Harold Ramirez, who was crushing it in Venezuelan ball:
Giancarlo Stanton NL MVP season:
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) December 4, 2018
.376 OBP in 692 PA
Harold Ramírez 2018 (regular season and winter league combined):
.390 OBP in 690 PAhttps://t.co/oABnJ3RZuL pic.twitter.com/VoT4jwkpLy
Do you anyone who intrigues you? Victor Victor Mesa is not expected the make the big-league club out of Spring Training, but is there anyone else you think can make the roster? Let us know who you like in the comments.