The Miami Marlins and the Dolphins share a front-office philosophy built on asset accumulation, versatility and long-term probability over splashy moves.
The Miami Marlins and Miami Dolphins play in different leagues, different stadiums, and have different salary structures. But observing their top executives' communications has revealed a consistent strategy.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Jon-Eric Sullivan, the new Dolphins general manager, credits former Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson for teaching him the value of accumulating draft picks to improve his chances of success. Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix prioritizes prospects over draft capital.
Recent Marlins deals tell a compelling story. Miami acquired multiple star players in the Ryan Weathers trade. They acquired four quality prospects from the New York Yankees, led by high-upside outfielder Dillon Lewis. When they traded Jesús Sánchez last July, they acquired three players in return.
Not a coincidence. Deep exploration.
Bendix realizes what every small- to mid-market leader learns: free agency superstars at $200 million each are not a good idea. Building likelihood. More high-potential bets increase your odds of winning one or two.
At the Herald, Barry Jackson put Sánchez's return into perspective. Ryan Gusto has shown enough promise to be a major-league talent. Chase Jaworsky is fast, stealing 59 bases in 69 attempts and playing well on base. Esmil Valencia stole 191 minor-league bases.
Will they change the game? The answer is unknown. Creating three developmental prospects from a non-core outfielder matches the asset accumulation philosophy.
It's about roster depth and flexibility.
The convergence goes beyond prospect accumulation. Miami's front office prefers developing a versatile, deep roster over making large, spectacular additions.
Tyler Phillips impressed manager Clayton McCullough this week with his effectiveness and ability to manage several innings. Gusto and Janson Junk provide the Marlins with a dangerous combination of pitchers who can span three to six innings. Last year, Lake Bachar, acquired off waivers, went 8-2.
That lacks star magnetism. That defines durability.
Even if seasoned players like Chris Paddack struggled last season, the focus is on pitch shapes and swing-and-miss rates to improve future performance.
In the NFL, the Dolphins build depth, avoid reliance on a single asset, and adapt as needed.
This typical strategy may be less about being careful and more about staying afloat for the Marlins, who struggle to retain stars. Significant leverage comes from asset depth. Leverage expands options.
The high-rolling teams may draw more attention than the Marlins. Like the NFL, they bet that more deliberate swings would lead to more contact.
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