Marlins Talented Young Starter Might Be Squeezed Out Of Rotation

The Miami Marlins have a potential battle for the final spot in their Opening Day rotation, as both right-hander Edward Cabrera and lefty Braxton Garrett are in the mix, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com.

The offseason addition of Johnny Cueto could potentially push one of the younger pitchers to Triple-A Jacksonville, but the Marlins are also considering a six-man rotation.

The fact that Sandy Alcántara, Jesús Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, Eury Perez, Luis Arraez and Jazz Chisholm Jr are all on the same team is pretty damn exciting.

— Peter Pratt | 🇬🇧 (@MiamiMarlins_UK) February 5, 2023

Cabrera was awfully impressive in 2022, relying on his 96 mph fastball and impressive changeup to record a 25.8 percent strikeout rate and 13.7 percent swinging strike rate.

He recorded a 3.01 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, with 75 strikeouts over 71.2 innings and 14 starts.

The only issue he dealt with was his command, as he held a poor 11.3 percent walk rate over 71.2 innings in the majors. As a result, the Marlins may decide he needs more time to develop at Triple-A Jacksonville.

Braxton Garrett, on the other hand, made significant strides in his command last season, posting a 24.1 percent strikeout rate and 6.4 percent walk rate over 17 starts and 88 innings.

He held a 3.58 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, with 90 strikeouts across 17 starts. The 25-year-old could be on the verge of a breakout if he is given a regular role in the Marlins' rotation.

Both Cabrera and Garrett have the potential to contribute to the Marlins' starting staff, and the team's decision on who wins the final rotation spot will likely come down to a combination of performance in Spring Training and the team's overall plans for its pitching staff. Photo Credit:  Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports