Coming off a season of 105 losses and lacking established core players at the major league level, the Marlins aren’t yet within striking distance of being a decent team (much less a World Series contender). And yet, several key advantages work in their favor: an elite farm system, set to receive even more reinforcements via the 2020 MLB Draft; continuity at leadership positions within the front office and the dugout; and “financial flexibility.”
In plain English, the owners are pocketing most of their money rather than upgrading the current roster. They anticipate that homegrown players will eventually produce and merit long-term contract extensions.