/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63905780/don_mattingly_tank_commander.0.jpg)
The Marlins still yearn for more cheap, controllable, high-upside talent to elevate their farm system to an elite level and lay the foundation for sustainable success. Stinking against major league competition this season is a critical step in that process. We don’t need to call it “tanking,” but let’s just say—behind closed doors—Miami’s front office will tolerate plenty of 2019 losses if it means selecting near the top of the 2020 MLB Draft and maximizing their 2020-21 international bonus pool. Fish Stripes will be monitoring this “race” for you (and creating new merch inspired by it).
FanGraphs ran performance projections for every team prior to Opening Day, but also continues to provide rest-of-season projections as the real games get played. See below for details regarding the six worst teams, including the Marlins, Orioles, Royals, Tigers, ,Blue Jays and Giants.
Orioles
2019 record and run differential (entering Tuesday): 17-37, minus-106
2019 projected record and run differential: 58-104, minus-244
Upcoming schedule: 5/28-5/29 vs. Tigers, 5/31-6/2 vs. Giants. 6/4-6/6 at Rangers, 6/7-6-9 at Astros
The Orioles lost five of seven and took the no. 1 spot in the tank race. They are now projected to have the worst record in baseball at season’s end by five games.
Marlins
Marlins head home with some momentum thanks to José Ureña’s ace-like performance https://t.co/EbYE3EmO5E
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) May 27, 2019
2019 record and run differential (entering Tuesday): 17-34, minus-91
2019 projected record and run differential: 63-99, minus-182
Upcoming schedule: 5/28-5/30 vs. Giants, 5/31-6/2 at Padres, 6/4-6/6 at Brewers, 6/7-6/9 vs. Braves
The Marlins doubled their three-game winning streak since last publication before losing three of four to the Nats (who are no longer on this list, as I predicted last week). The Fish picked up two wins on their end-of-year projection and are no longer slated to be a 100-loss team.
Royals
2019 record and run differential (entering Tuesday): 18-34, minus-41
2019 projected record and run differential: 66-96, minus-110
Upcoming schedule: 5/28-5/29 at White Sox, 5/30-6/2 at Rangers, 6/4-6/6 vs. Red Sox, 6/7-6/9 vs. White Sox
The Royals went 2-3 since last publication and remain in third, just a half game back of the Marlins. Neither of their year-end projections changed.
Tigers
2019 record and run differential (entering Tuesday): 19-32, minus-101
2019 projected record and run differential: 64-98, minus-203
Upcoming schedule: 5/28-5/29 at Orioles, 5/31-6/2 at Braves, 6/4-6/6 vs. Rays, 6/7-6/9 vs. Twins
The Tigers have won just once since May 12 and now are projected for the third-worst record in baseball. They join the Orioles as the only two teams projected for a -200 run differential.
Blue Jays
I hate Tropicana Field. And Jays lose https://t.co/R7McHLcjHD pic.twitter.com/qO8nsH8kQk
— Bluebird Banter (@bluebirdbanter) May 27, 2019
2019 record and run differential (entering Tuesday): 21-33, minus-49
2019 projected record and run differential: 70-92, minus-102
Upcoming schedule: 5/28-5/29 at Rays, 5/31-6/2 at Rockies, 6/4-6/6 vs. Yankees, 6/7-6/9 vs. Arizona
The Jays lost two games off their win total along with 24 runs after a 2-5 week.
Giants
2019 record and run differential (entering Tuesday): 21-31, minus-78
2019 projected record and run differential: 71-91, minus-123
Upcoming schedule: 5/28-5/30 at Marlins, 5/31-6/2 at Orioles, 6/4-6/6 at Mets, 6/7-6/9 vs. Dodgers
The Giants join the list again after a 1-5 week. There is a good chance they won’t be here next week after two series against baseball’s worst teams.