Are Marlins for real? Rebounding franchise making early MLB statement with unsung players

As hard as it is to take an MLB franchise seriously that draws 6,515 fans, like the Miami Marlins did Monday at loanDepot park, unsung players like Owen Caissie continue to make an early statement.  

Are the Marlins serious NL East contenders?  

Sparked by Caissie’s late Opening Day addition, the Marlins swept the Colorado Rockies to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2009.  

Caissie ended his whirlwind opening weekend with a walk-off two-run home run.   

“I kind of blacked out,” Caissie said Sunday, as reported by WPLG Local 10 News. “You kind of wish for moments like this.”

Can Marlins compete for NL East title?   

The fanbase, what there is of it, certainly has been waiting for moments like these.  

Since 2011, the Marlins have finished with at least 85 losses 11 times. Three times, they reached the century mark, including 100 in 2024.  

Caissie’s play appears to be helping the rebounding franchise gain a competitive pulse.   

The 23-year-old Canadian arrived in Miami as part of the January trade, delivering right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs. In the opening series, Caissie compiled team-highs in hits (five) and RBI (four). He could be playing his way into an everyday role. 

On Tuesday, following the Marlins’ first loss of the season, Caissie connected on a fourth-inning RBI single and eighth-inning sacrifice fly, fueling the Marlins to a 9-2 victory over the visiting Chicago White Sox.   

Are the Marlins (4-1) for real?  

After playing before 6,667 fans Tuesday, who can take the franchise seriously?