Which Marlin will be the strongest NL Rookie of the Year contender?

The Marlins are going to begin the 2020 season with established big leaguers at most positions, but they won’t allow the experience factor to prevent them for fielding the best possible team. Highly touted prospect Sixto Sánchez is expected to make his MLB debut at some point in this 60-game season. Meanwhile, young Monte Harrison will be on the line to taste the Bigs this year, waiting for some room in a crowded outfield.

Both of them are in the club’s player pool and the 40-man roster, only one step away from the Majors. Both are MLB ready (or at least close to that) and not only will be battling to get some playing time, but to get into the National League Rookie of the Year award conversation.

If you’re looking for one name to bet on, that must be Sixto. He’s the kind of pitcher you expect to carry your team on his shoulders, to lead the rotation as the number one guy. I’m not saying you shouldn’t trust on Monte—he impressed during Spring Training 1.0 and has done the same during Summer Camp. I’ve already written an article on Harrison and how spectacular he is with his 30-30 potential.

It’s just I believe Sánchez will somehow find his way to the rotation and show his huge talent, especially if someone gets injured, traded, or goes through a slump.

Acquired from the Phillies in the J.T. Realmuto trade, the Dominican righty will be a massive weapon for the Marlins during a particular season in which anything can happen and everybody will have a chance.

Sánchez didn’t pitch in Spring Training exhibitions or set foot in Marlins Park during Summer Camp (assigned to the alternate training site in Jupiter instead). However, he’s the 22nd-best prospect in baseball and best in the organization for a reason.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Sánchez was honest about beginning this year out of shape. Though currently listed at 234 pounds on the official Marlins website, he has trimmed down significantly since then.

His fastball was graded at 70, while his changeup is at 60 (on the 20-80 grading scale), which means those are both considered plus pitches. Last year, he put a 2.53 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP across 103 innings in Double-A during his first year as a Marlin, so he’s fresh and ready to contribute.

I also know that Sixto—or whoever becomes the most viable ROY candidate for the Marlins—will probably have to battle against studs like the Dodgers’ Gavin Lux, Padres’ MacKenzie Gore, Giants’ Joey Bart, or Nationals’ Carter Kieboom. But it’ll still be fun to watch how Sánchez could make an impact on the exciting 2020 Fish, regardless.