Fish Bites Episode 53: Updated Marlins Opening Day roster prediction

In our second-to-last podcast episode of 2019, Ely provides stats, biographical information and anticipated fit on the Marlins roster for each of the following minor league signings: Santiago Chávez (6:15), Gosuke Katoh (8:45), Ryan Lavarnway (12:55), Christian Lopes (16:00), BJ López (18:15), Matt Kemp (20:20), Brian Navarreto (27:10), Aaron Northcraft (31:45) and Josh A. Smith (35:05). With these new faces in mind, how will the Fish fill out their 26-man roster heading into Opening Day? We take an educated guess.

Enjoy Episode 53!

Recent Earning Their Stripes guest Alex Vesia offers strong endorsements of Chávez and López after forming a battery with them in Jupiter and Jacksonville in 2019. “All of the pitchers love [Chávez]” for his receiving and pitch-calling, while López ranks extremely highly across Minor League Baseball for his receiving.

The following prediction was made before Monday morning’s news that the Marlins have signed catcher Francisco Cervelli. His $2 million deal ensures that he will receive stronger active roster consideration than Chad Wallach (who has two minor league options remaining).

2020 Marlins Opening Day roster prediction (updated Dec. 22, 2019)

Let’s see some of your own roster predictions in the comments!

The Fish Stripes podcast is home to Miami Marlins shows Fish Bites and Earning Their Stripes. All new episodes are posted to FishStripes.com/podcasts. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods from.

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