Miami Palms Blog

 The Palms are bringing back veteran designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion for a fourth season with the Palms. While he was still good in 2018, it was a step in the wrong direction. He hit .276 with 26 home runs, both lows for his time with Miami. The team will hope for some more pop to his bat, though he remains a difficult out at the plate even as his power numbers diminished.

 Wellington Castillo is a veteran backstop, prominently known for his time spent with the Chicago Cubs. He's bounced around since his time in Chicago, providing an above average bat for a catcher. Now, he has seen enough time in the league and enough pitchers that the Palms hope he will provide some insight for younger players.

 Dylan Bundy enters his second season with the Palms, and Miami will likely lean on him a little bit more, given the departures of the previous season. Bundy was consistent, if unspectacular in 2018, but with Lucas Harrell's retirement, and a bullpen without as much certainty, Bundy will be asked to step it up to a solid 3rd starter role. Bundy is still young, and Miami hopes there is room to grow into the role.

 Cody Allen never approached the all star closer level he had with the Indians, but he is now in entering his 5th season in Miami, and if he can maintain the same level he had in his first 4, he will be a valuable bullpen workhorse in middle relief. It's always important to have stable, veteran presences in the pen, and Allen provides just that.

 The Palms have made it known that they are likely done making additions to the organization, which means that there is one open spot on the roster. According to sources, that means that infield prospect Matt Koch will get a chance to join the big league club. Koch was drafted as a short stop prospect, but he projects more as a corner infielder or outfielder as he has grown into his frame. Don't be surprised to see Koch all over the lineup and all over the field once the Manager gets comfortable with Koch's offense.