Miami Marlins 2023: Starting pitching a strength, but hitting remains a question mark

JUPITER — With a new manager and many new core players, Miami Marlins’ spring training was a time for team bonding and evaluating.

Camp closed on Sunday, and the organization has a clearer picture of where it stands heading into opening day on Thursday against the New York Mets at loanDepot park. Immediately, Miami will be tested against one of the favorites in the National League East.

What we’ve learned is basically what we already knew heading into Skip Schumaker’s first spring training as manager.

Not surprisingly, starting pitching is the strength. But has the organization done enough to upgrade the offense? Defensively, they are spotty with many players switching positions.

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As the Marlins open the season, The Palm Beach Post offers our five spring training takeaways:

Newcomers Jean Segura, Luis Arraez can hit

Let’s start with two of their top offseason acquisitions. Segura signed as a free agent, and Arraez was acquired from the Minnesota Twins as part of the Pablo Lopez trade. The two are professional hitters with high contact rates and a knack for big hits. But neither is a run producer as a home run or RBI threat.

Last year, the Marlins ranked in the bottom 10 in times striking out (21st overall).

Segura, who hit .277 with a .336 on-base percentage last year, struck out just 58 times in 98 games. Arraez, the American League batting champ with a .316 average, fanned 43 times in 603 plate appearances.

Both are ready to go, especially after appearing in the World Baseball Classic, Segura with the Dominican Republic and Arraez with Venezuela.

“The guys we’ve traded for or acquired have been as advertised,” Schumaker said. “Segura has taken on that leadership role, which I didn’t know that part of him. Arraez, we knew what kind of hitter he was. His energy has been infectious.”

Next level for Jesus Luzardo and Edward Cabrera?

The Marlins have a true ace in Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner. Behind him, the organization is hopeful two of their younger starters are ready to elevate their games.

Left-hander Jesus Luzardo and right-hander Edward Cabrera each have fastballs in the upper 90s and wipeout secondary pitches. But both have dealt with injuries.

“Cabrera and Luzardo are ready to take the next steps in their careers,” Schumaker said. “You talk about real stuff. These guys have real stuff.”

Both have fastballs that reach or are near 100 mph with movements.

As for durability, Cabrera, 24, made 14 starts, and had a 3.01 ERA with Miami last year, and dealt with injuries. Luzardo, 26, had 18 starts and 10.76 strikeouts per nine innings in 100 1/3 innings, missing time mostly in the first half.

Center of attention Jazz Chisholm Jr.

In terms of excitement, energy and personality, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has it all. The fan appeal is a reason Chisholm was named MLB The Show 23 cover athlete.

Chisholm was voted by the fans as the National League’s starting second baseman in 2022, and he hit 14 home runs and stole 12 bases before injuries limited him to just 60 games.

Now healthy, the Marlins shifted Chisholm to center field, banking on his speed and athleticism enabling him to make a seamless transition from infield to outfield.

Based on what we saw in spring training, there are some rough edges that Chisholm must buff off. Outfield coach Jon Jay has worked exhaustively with the 25-year-old.

“He’s much better than Day One,” Schumaker said. “He’s still going. You never stop learning. He knows that and continues to grow. He asks the right questions. Again, when you have Jon Jay in your back pocket, and he holds everybody accountable, especially the outfielders. Jon Jay has a really good way about him. … Jazz is trending in the right direction.”

Puk emerges as a closer candidate

When left-hander A.J. Puk was acquired from the Oakland A’s in a trade for outfielder JJ Bleday, the Marlins were hopeful the left-hander could fill a high-leverage innings role. The 27-year-old former Florida Gator has done his part to be in the mix to either close or pitch in the late innings.

“It’s been awesome to watch Puk being the back-end reliever that we know that he’s going to be,” Schumaker said. “Taking that next step in his career, as well.”

The Marlins likely will mix and match to close down games, at least early in the season. Right-hander Matt Barnes and lefty Tanner Scott also have experience closing.

Of all the candidates, though, Puk has the best overall stuff. He doesn’t have much experience closing, as he has just four saves, all last year in Oakland.

Secret weapon: 33-year-old utility player Jon Berti

The embodiment of what the Marlins are aiming to become is Jon Berti. The 33-year-old utility player can make an impact hitting, running the bases, and he plays infield and outfield.

Many probably don’t remember that Berti paced the major leagues in stolen bases last year with 41.

With MLB implementing bigger bases and outlawing infield shifting, Berti promises to benefit from the changes.

Schumaker plans on capitalizing on all Berti brings to the table.

“He’s a very good player,” Schumaker said. “Gives you versatility. You saw what he could do when he had everyday at-bats last year. He’s going to play some shortstop, maybe more than he did last year.”

Berti also could see time in center field, when Chisholm needs a day off.

Thursday's gameMets at Marlins4 p.m., BSF

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Marlins open 2023 MLB season with new manager, old concerns