It is officially that time of the year again. The Miami Marlins exceeded everyone’s expectations last year. They shocked the world by making the Postseason and advancing to the Division Series. Now the Marlins will look to do more damage in an already stacked National League East.
Looking Back at 2020
It was a rough start to the 2020 season for the Marlins. Opening weekend in Philadelphia over 20 players tested positive for COVID-19. This forced their season to be put on hold until August 4th. Afterward, the Marlins played well. Well enough to make the Postseason. The Miami Marlins finished 31-29 just 4 games behind the Atlanta Braves for 1st place in the NL East.
In the Expanded Postseason, the Marlins traveled to Wrigley to face the Cubs in the Wild Card Series. The Marlins shut down the Chicago Cubs in a 2-0 series sweep. They would advance to face the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series. They would not have the same luck in the Division Series. The Marlin traveled to Houston and got swept by the Atlanta Braves. It was a loss that was disappointing but a reason for optimism for this Marlins fanbase.
Odds are heavily against Miami Marlins in NL East
The National League East is a very stacked division this year. Atlanta has high expectations already as they are built to compete for a World Series. The Mets may be on the rise with new ownership and the additions of Francisco Lindor and James McCann.
Philadelphia also has hope going into the season as they brought back JT Realmuto to add to that great offense. The Nationals are looking to bounce back after a rough 2020 but with a stacked roster, they will be a contender for the NL East.
Can Miami Defy Odds.
Currently, the Atlanta Braves lead the odds to win the NL East at +200. The Nationals are second at +250 odds to win the East. At third is the underdog Mets at +280. In fourth are the underdog Phillies at +310. Lastly sits the Marlins at +10000 odds.
It is safe to say the Marlins are the biggest underdog to win the National League East. It will be tough so the Marlins may need to set their sites on a Wild Card spot before thinking about winning the division.
2021 Expectation
Following a wild 2020 season, there is hope in Marlins camp going into 2021. There is hope for fans that the rebuild may be near the end. There is also hope for fans as the Marlins announced that fans will return to Marlins Park at 25% capacity.
With all of this, the Marlins will look to shock even more people. Many MLB fans believe their spot in the Postseason was a fluke, The Marlins will now try to prove to Major League Baseball wrong again. However, it will not be easy as they face a very tough National League East.
Even if they don’t make the Postseason there is also the opportunity to play spoiler in the NL East. So many great teams will give them the chance to hurt all the other NL East teams chance at the division title or even a Postseason spot. It will be tough to gauge how Miami will factor into the Postseason race but they will be the team to watch in the National League.
