With Spring Training getting under way, it’s time for a far-too-early roster prediction article. The Miami Marlins struggled to a 71-91 record last season, but a lot of that can be chalked up to injury. Jose Fernandez, the team’s best pitcher, missed time. Giancarlo Stanton, the team’s best hitter, missed time. Almost every important Marlin missed at least a few games with some kind of injury in 2015, with Ichiro appearing in the most games overall with 153. Dee Gordon and Adeiny Hechavarria followed, with 145 and 130 respectively. With the moves made this offseason and some better health, the Marlins believe they can compete in the National League East in 2016. Whether they have done enough remains to be seen, but they have certainly improved the roster with a few moves and will of course fare better when the best players are on the field.

Projected Starting Lineup

Gordon leads off as he did in every game he played last season. Realmuto moves up in the lineup and fits well in the two spot thanks to his bat control and good speed. Yelich has more power than he’s shown, and this is the year the Marlins hope he finds it as a middle-of-the-order bat. Stanton is one of the best power hitters in the league when on the field and should have runners on base fairly often with a solid top of the lineup ahead of him. Bour is a home run threat any time a righty is on the mound. Ozuna can be a streaky hitter, but when he’s on, he’s a good RBI bat. Prado is a smart hitter who will drive in anyone left on the bases after the middle of the order does its job. Hechavarria took some steps forward with the bat in 2015, but still isn’t more than a number eight hitter who can occasionally provide a spark at the bottom of the lineup. (The lineup will likely be similar against lefty starters, with Johnson at first base instead of Bour, but quite different on rest days for Realmuto, with Mathis possibly hitting eighth and either Hechavarria or Prado moving into the two spot.)

Projected Starting Rotation

Fernandez is a true ace when on the mound, but he’ll likely be on pitch counts each game and on an overall innings count for the year; still, he’s the team’s number one by far. Chen is a solid pitcher who has succeeded in better divisions and smaller stadiums. Koehler is a great pitcher at home but can have a tough time on the road; still, he’s earned a spot in the rotation based on his previous seasons. The Marlins seem enamored with Cosart despite his general lack of success at the big league level. Conley is not the favorite for the fifth spot going into camp, but he’s likely the best of the bunch and may prove in Grapefruit League games. (The four and five spots could be any mix of Cosart, Conley, Jackson, Nicolino, Phelps, or any new free agent signing.)

Projected Bullpen

A.J. Ramos CL

Carter Capps SU

Mike Dunn SU

Bryan Morris MR

Edwin Jackson MR

Craig Breslow MR

David Phelps LR

Despite the reported competition for the closer spot, Ramos is likely to keep it since he fared well in the role last season. Capps is as dominant as can be, but actually serves the team better in a setup role. Dunn is one of the most frustrating pitchers in baseball, but he generally gets the job done and is under contract for $3.45 million. Morris has been solid since coming over from the Pirates and should retain his role as the seventh inning guy. Jackson was great in the bullpen last season, but will likely want to try to earn a role in the rotation. Breslow could be the second lefty in the pen. Phelps showed that he can be a solid swing man, spot starting when needed and pitching in long relief as well. (The bullpen is hard to project, especially with the questions at the end of the rotation. Guys like Kyle Barraclough and Brian Ellington did nothing to lose their spots after impressive rookie seasons last year, but there simply may not be room for them at the beginning of the season. Other young arms like Kendry Flores, Nick Wittgren, Nefi Ogando, and Cody Ege could fight for a spot in Spring Training, but will likely be up later in the season as injuries and ineffectiveness strike.

Projected Bench

Jeff Mathis C

Chris Johnson 1B/3B

Ichiro Suzuki OF

Derek Dietrich IF/OF

Miguel Rojas IF

Mathis automatically makes it as the backup catcher and mentor to Realmuto. While he may as well go up to bat bare handed, his catching skills and the way he handles the pitching staff add value to the team that can’t be measured with stats. Ichiro makes the team automatically as well; he led the team in games played last season despite looking overmatched for most of the year. Johnson was brought in to platoon with Bour, he can also spell Prado if needed. Dietrich’s new-found versatility and left-handed pop earn him a bench spot. Rojas is a similar player to Hechavarria, but the team needs someone who can play shortstop if needed. (Guys like Cole Gillespie, Tomas Telis, Justin Maxwell, and Don Kelly have a chance to break camp with the team but will more likely be called upon when the need arises later on in the season.)