One of the main conversation topics to come out of 2021 spring training was the Marlins’ veteran bat logjam. They had four players—Garrett Cooper, Jesús Aguilar, Corey Dickerson and Adam Duvall—for three spots (first base, left field and right field).
I would estimate that there was more fan enthusiasm for Cooper than any of the others. Entering his age-30 season, he was the youngest of the quartet with the most years of club control remaining. He thrived at the plate during the abbreviated 2020 campaign and seemed poised to take another step forward after starring in Grapefruit League exhibition games (.