#4. Miami Marlins
Brian Anderson / Martin Prado
The Marlins have a future big time player in third baseman Brian Anderson. The 25-year-old from the University of Arkansas was drafted as a third-round pick in 2014, and has been developing nicely in his 181 total Major League games so far.
In 2018, Anderson spent a considerable amount of time as a candidate for the Rookie of the Year award in the NL, but tapered off somewhat towards the end of the season. He still managed 3.4 fWAR, from a .273 batting average, 11 homers and 113 wRC+.
Don’t let the home run total fool you. Brian Anderson has some quality raw power, but is definitely in need of a launch-angle lesson to tap into it more.
While primarily a corner infielder, he actually started more games at right field in 2018; and overall is an excellent defender. Anderson finished with a nice 3.4 Def last season in 89 starts at right field and 64 starts at third base.
The Marlins have the former Braves player, and catch-all defender, in Martin Prado as their backup for third base. It’s hard to believe that Prado is now 35-years-old and has been in the Majors since 2006.
In 2012, his last season with the Braves, Martin Prado was an extremely valuable player in that he could handle a lot of positions and hold a strong batting average. That’s all still partially true today, except with the toll from 13 big league seasons, the value part has understandably plummeted due to his ability to stay on the field.
Prado missed most of 2018 due to an injury, and when he did play his skills at the plate were far from the skills he possessed in his days in Atlanta. Still, the Venezuelan will most likely play a good bit, regardless of the position; and will bat near the top of a weak Marlins batting order.
The Verdict
As I mentioned above, I really like Brian Anderson and the player he has become in such a short time. However, his .332 BABIP and the fact that he hasn’t modernized his swing path yet, gives me pause on a true All-Star season in 2019.
Of course Prado will give positive value, but how much is really hard to determine when considering his age and recent injuries.
Basically, I’m projecting a slight regression for Anderson, and replacement-level production from Prado. So all in all, I see the Marlins recieving 3.2 fWAR of total value at the third base position.