Miami Marlins finally part ways with underperforming hitter
Looking at the statistics reveals the challenging season the Miami Marlins have endured. Just a few months ago, shortstop Tim Anderson made the decision to join the Marlins over several other teams, positioning himself as the top shortstop on a thin free agent market for hitters. Unfortunately, his tenure with the team did not unfold as hoped.
The Miami Marlins have parted ways with shortstop Tim Anderson, who had previously been an All-Star during his time with the Chicago White Sox from 2016 to 2022. In the early years from 2016 to 2018, Anderson posted a modest batting line of .258/.286/.411 and did not appear to stand out as a star player. However, he did achieve a career-best 2.3 dWAR in 2018.
Anderson’s fortunes changed dramatically in 2019 when he exploded with a .335/.357/.508 batting line, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 56 runs while stealing 17 bases in 123 games and 498 at-bats. He accrued a WAR of 4.2 that season. His success continued into the shortened 2020 season, where he batted .322/.357/.529 with 10 home runs and 21 RBI in 49 games and 208 at-bats, earning a WAR of 2.3 and placing seventh in AL MVP voting.
The peak of Anderson’s career came in 2021, batting .309/.338/.469 with 17 home runs, 61 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 123 games and 527 at-bats. He achieved a career-high WAR of 4.7 and an outstanding 1.0 dWAR.
However, Anderson’s performance declined in 2022 due to time spent on the injured list, batting .301/.339/.395 with 6 home runs and 25 RBI in 79 games and 332 at-bats, along with a below-average -0.3 dWAR.
In 2023, Anderson’s decline continued sharply, posting a .245/.286/.296 batting line with one home run, 25 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 123 games and 493 at-bats. He registered a disappointing -2.0 WAR and a -0.9 dWAR. The Chicago White Sox released him after the season, leading to his signing with the Marlins on a one-year, $5 million deal.
However, Anderson’s performance with the Marlins was far from successful, batting .214/.237/.226 with no home runs, 9 RBI, and 4 stolen bases in 65 games and 234 at-bats, resulting in a disastrous -1.2 WAR. With playoff hopes dashed and little trade value, he was released. Xavier Edwards has been called up to replace him, known for his superior defense and a .295/.329/.333 batting line last season. Marlins fans are eager to see how he will perform with a more consistent role on the team.
