I understand what former Miami Marlins centerfielder Christian Yelich meant when he told Barstool Sports the death of Jose Fernandez began the downfall of the team.
Would the Miami Marlins still be the same team with No. 16 on the mound this season? Possibly but not probably.
Christian Yelich, who was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers before Training Camp said the death of his friend and teammate, “changed everything” with the ball club. He believes had it not been for the tragedy on Sept. 25, 2016, this would be a team with the same roster of jettisoned players and a possible playoff contender.