Despite revenue hike, Marlins' emphasis will be on prospects

MIAMI (AP) - The Miami Marlins' new deals for ballpark naming rights and local TV will provide more than $25 million in additional annual revenue, allowing CEO Derek Jeter to increase the team's perpetually small payroll.

There will be no immediate spending splurge, however.

'œWe have done a pretty good job of loading up our minor league system with a lot of prospects, and we're going to give them an opportunity to play,'ť Jeter said Wednesday. 'œWhen we get to the point where we're trying to fill some holes, we'll do that.'ť

Jeter's comment came shortly after the team announced that Marlins Park has been renamed loanDepot park in a multiyear agreement. LoanDepot, which already had a partnership with MLB, provides loans and is based in Southern California.

The Marlins also recently signed a TV contract that more than doubles their previous agreement, which was $20 million a year. Financial terms of the ballpark naming agreement weren't disclosed.

The Marlins have operated with budget constraints and a small payroll for most of their history. They have not previously had a naming rights agreement for their ballpark, which opened in 2012.

Miami begins its season Thursday at home against Tampa Bay with a promising young team. Among the organization's most highly touted prospects is right-hander Sixto Sanchez, but because his spring training progress was slowed by a visa issue and a false positive COVID-19 test, he didn't make the opening day roster.

He was scheduled to throw Thursday and then pitch in one more practice game, meaning his first 2021 start for the Marlins could come about 10 games into the season.

'œHe wasn't quite ready because of circumstances beyond his control,'ť manager Don Mattingly said. 'œIt's just a matter of getting him built up.'ť

Another prospect who will make his first opening day start is 23-year-old Jazz Chisholm, who won the second base job in spring training.

'œThis guy is capable of doing a lot,'ť Mattingly said. 'œAs he puts his whole package together, this is a superstar. This isn't like a good player; he has a chance to be a great player.'ť

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