It goes against your instincts as a fan, but there’s no point in rooting for the Marlins to have team success right now. They have been eliminated from 2018 postseason contention, and even climbing out of last place requires many events beyond their control. The club has incentives, actually, to lose down the stretch and secure its best draft position of the past five years, improving access to premium amateur talent next June.
Strong spring training production and a lack of viable alternatives propelled the South Florida native to an everyday job entering Opening Day.