Marlins Make Subtle Moves: Are They Building for the Future or Just Filling Roster Spots? 

The Miami Marlins have made some intriguing moves as they gear up for the 2025 season, acquiring players like Liam Hicks, Eric Wagaman, Cal Quantrill, and Ronny Henriquez. While these additions may seem minor, they could have significant implications for the team's performance.

Let's dive into the details. Hicks, a rule five draftee, is a catcher with a knack for getting on base, albeit without much power. Is he the kind of player who can thrive in a backup role and provide value in high-leverage situations? On the other hand, Wagaman brings power but at the cost of making outs. How do you see the Marlins balancing these two contrasting styles in their lineup?

Cal Quantrill joins the rotation as the fifth starter, and his recent struggles with walks and home runs could be mitigated by pitching in Miami. Could this be the environment he needs for a bounce-back season? And what about Ronny Henriquez? With limited MLB experience, can he carve out a role as a reliable swingman in the bullpen?

The Marlins seem committed to developing their young core while keeping costs low. Do you think this strategy will pay off in the long run, or are they risking stagnation by not making bigger splashes in free agency?

With the starting nine projected to have a low combined fWAR, do you believe the front office knows something the projections don’t? What are your bold predictions for the Marlins this season? Will they surprise us, or are they destined for another year of rebuilding?

Let’s hear your thoughts!

The Marlins are definitely playing the long game, and while their offseason moves may not be making headlines, there’s a case to be made for their strategic value—especially if you're an optimist about under-the-radar talent and smart development.

Liam Hicks is the kind of grinder every team could use—a disciplined bat, solid on-base skills, and likely a strong clubhouse presence. In a backup catcher role, especially if deployed in high-leverage spots or against specific matchups, he could be a quiet difference-maker. Think of him as the kind of player who doesn’t win games alone, but helps win margins.

Eric Wagaman, on the flip side, adds some much-needed pop. The challenge will be how the Marlins deploy him—if he’s expected to carry too much offensive weight, strikeouts could become a liability. But in a platoon role or used off the bench, his bat could spark rallies late in games.

Cal Quantrill is a fascinating wild card. Miami’s pitcher-friendly park could be the change of scenery he needs. If he can limit the long ball and regain some control, there’s real bounce-back potential here. As a fifth starter, he doesn’t need to be dominant—just stable. And if he gives the Marlins innings while mentoring younger arms, that’s a win.

Ronny Henriquez is more of a “wait-and-see,” but his stuff flashes potential. If he embraces the swingman role, he could become a key glue guy—covering spot starts, long relief, and keeping the bullpen fresh. Those players don’t grab headlines, but they quietly stabilize a roster.

The big-picture question is whether this approach—developing youth, hunting for bargains, and staying lean—will pay off. It’s a tightrope walk. The Marlins’ margin for error is small, and avoiding injuries will be critical. Still, if 2–3 of these moves hit and the young core takes a step forward, they could absolutely surprise people.

Bold prediction? The Marlins flirt with .500 for most of the year, and Quantrill posts a sub-4.00 ERA while becoming a clubhouse leader. Hicks finds himself in some clutch late-game roles, and Henriquez quietly becomes a bullpen workhorse.

This team might not be built to dominate, but they’re certainly built to disrupt. What’s your gut feeling—are the Marlins being underestimated, or are they still a few pieces away from truly competing?