Anthony Bender secures a new deal, boosting the Marlins' bullpen and potential for contention. A key relief pitcher, he returns to the mound aiming for a stronger season.
After a year of rumors and speculation, it finally happened: the Miami Marlins traded starting right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs. However, it wasn't a salary dump situation, getting outfielder Owen Caissie in return, alongside a couple of prospects in Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo DeLeon. The organization sold high on the 27-year-old's market value for the right opportunity.
It's worth noting that Cabrera could face his old club between Sep 4th and 6th, when the Marlins host the Cubs at LoanDepot Park.
However, there was still more work to be done as the arbitration deadline approached. It can be a messy situation if both parties don't agree upon a deal, but that wasn't the case for the Marlins and Anthony Bender.
It's been reported that the right-handed relief pitcher and the organization agreed to a $2.81 million contract, avoiding any further process. It's a $1.43 million raise from last season. The four-year major league veteran has one year remaining of team control before reaching unrestricted free agency eligibility.
Bender is coming off a decent season, appearing in 51 games, 12 of which he finished, recording 50 innings pitched, 32 hits allowed, 13 runs allowed, 12 of which were considered earned, three home runs allowed, 42 strikeouts, with an ERA of 2.16, and a WAR of 1.9. He pitched a sweeper 46 percent of the time when on the mound, which has his highest usage; the next highest was a sinker, 27 percent.
If the Marlins want to take the next step towards contention in the National League, the bullpen is what needs to improve from last season. Despite finishing with an improved 79-83 record, the team's pitching ranked below-average in multiple categories, such as an ERA of 4.60, ranked 25th, 1,294 strikeouts, 22nd, 1,376 hits, 22nd, and 199 home runs allowed, 21st.
However, as former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara continues to return to All-Star form, after showing a glimpse of achieving that after the All-Star break, he could provide a massive boost. It was no secret that the 30-year-old was struggling after returning from Tommy John surgery in early Oct. of 2023.
There's no denying the Marlins' offensive firepower, especially behind All-Star Kyle Stowers, Otto Lopez, Agustin Ramirez, Xavier Edwards, and others, but if the defense can pick up, it increases the potential of this new young core. Also, after missing the majority of last season due to injury, starting left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers returns to the mix, expected to be ready for spring training.
The Marlins' bullpen, with Bender included, could find a resurgence, even after Cabrera getting traded. Spring training is around the corner and a new season means a new opportunity.
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