The Miami Marlins reportedly made severe changes to the scouting department.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Marlins have reportedly fired a majority of their pro scouting department, first reported by USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale.
Although there’s no clarity as to how many were let go, the motive behind the decision came from the organization’s shift to technology. According to The Athletic, the Marlins want to add more video to their scouting process. It’s a trend several organizations across professional sports have followed.
However, the Marlins will keep some scouts who travel and watch up-and-coming players in person. Here is a breakdown of the personnel entering the season:
- Sam Mondry-Cohen: Vice President, Player Personnel
- Joseph Montes: Assistant, Professional Scouting
- Johnny Almaraz: Professional Scout
- Jose Almonte: Professional Scout
- Eduardo Alomonte: Professional Scout
- Jordan Bley: Professional Scout
- Josh Eshleman: Professional Scout
- Alexander Noel: Professional Scout
- Paul Ricciarini: Professional Scout
- Alvin Rittman: Professional Scout
- Chris Pelekoudas: Professional Scout Crosschecker
- Joe Lisewski: Special Assignment Scout
As technology advances, sports change the way they operate. Video allows organizations to measure players like never before. In baseball’s case, it’s about stance, hand-eye coordination, swing mechanics, speed, arm strength, fielding, velocity, and command, among several other evaluations.
The Marlins have changed their ways of operating business since Peter Bendix became President of Operations ahead of the 2024 season. He came from a background of baseball analytics dating back to 2004, as a student at Tufts University. Bendix took a sabermetrics course, which introduced him to data and baseball analytics.
Before taking the Marlins job, Bendix spent 15 years with the Tampa Bay Rays. He was promoted to general manager ahead of the 2022 season. Afterwards, Bendix made the move to Southern Florida, where baseball analytics have been heavily exercised.
Although it hasn’t translated to immediate success, there have been some promising signs. Last season, the Marlins finished with a 79-83 record, which was a 17-win improvement from the previous year (62-100).
Bendix’s approach to baseball isn’t traditional, but it’s sustainable for the current times.
The Marlins have had four winning seasons and two playoff appearances since the last World Series claimed in 2003. A point will come when Bendix’s approach with baseball analytics will be measured between success and failure. The Marlins are currently in the race for the last Wild Card spot in the National League, but the odds aren’t favorable.
Scouting departments can’t be fully replicated through technology, but it can potentially change a franchise’s trajectory (for better or worse).
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
