The Marlins had every intention of competing in 2015. They locked up slugger Giancarlo Stanton with a record-breaking $325 million extension during the offseason, and then built a strong supporting cast around him by acquiring a slew of veteran players, all the while knowing that they would get ace Jose Fernandez back around midseason.
But a painfully slow start quickly diminished the Marlins' chances of winning season, and by the middle of the May, team owner Jeffrey Loria had already fired manager Mike Redmond.
There were positive takeaways from Miami's disappointing year, however, such as how the club graduated five of its 20-best prospects to the big leagues. J.T. Realmuto, Miami's No. 2 prospect headed into the season, more than held his own after taking over as the everyday catcher, while first baseman Justin Bour unexpectedly slugged 23 home runs. On the mound, lefties Justin Nicolino and Adam Conley proved to be viable rotation options, and right-hander Jose Urena showed potential in a swingman role.
Team Top 30 Prospects lists
The Marlins could send even more prospects to the big leagues in 2016, as nine of their Top 30 prospects are projected to debut at some point during the upcoming season. However, the team's collection of high-ceiling prospects -- a group that includes Tyler Kolek, the No. 2 overall Draft pick in 2014, and 2015 first-rounder Josh Naylor -- are still several years away from making an impact at the highest level.
Biggest jump: Stone Garrett, OF (2015: Unranked | 2016: 4)
Biggest fall: Avery Romero, 2B (2015: 5 | 2016: 24)
Best tools
Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.
Top 10 Farm Systems
Hit: Josh Naylor (50)
Power: Josh Naylor (60)
Run: Anfernee Seymour (80)
Arm: Brian Anderson (60)
Defense: Isaiah White (60)
Fastball: Tyler Kolek (70)
Curveball: Jordan Holloway (60)
Slider: Austin Brice (55)
Changeup: Chris Paddack (65)
Control: Nick Wittgren (60)
How they were built
Draft: 21
International: 4
Trade: 5
Breakdown by ETA
2016: 9
2017: 5
2018: 9
2019: 5
2020: 2
Breakdown by position
C: 1
1B: 2
2B: 1
3B: 1
SS: 4
OF: 5
RHP: 12
LHP: 4