Inbox: How will Marlins’ rotation look in 2017?

What does next year’s pitching rotation look like? — @dude349

Ideally, the Marlins would like to add two starting pitchers during the Hot Stove season. Until that happens, we can only look at candidates already on the roster. Internally, it appears three spots are set — left-handers Wei-Yin Chen and Adam Conley and right-hander Tom Koehler. Chen was the Opening Day starter this year, mainly because Jose Fernandez was on an innings plan. Chen, though, missed two months with a sprained left elbow. The Marlins will be banking on the 31-year-old to perform like he did in Baltimore, before he signed as a free agent with Miami. Based on pure stuff, Conley is a candidate to start Opening Day, and Koehler has been a mainstay in the rotation the past few years. David Phelps offers versatility to start or relieve, but the club may be leaning to keeping him in the bullpen. Jake Esch, Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena each have experience starting.

Who are the Marlins most likely offseason targets? — @Bschiller_02

It’s no secret that starting pitching is at the top of their list. The free-agent market is thin, and there could be interest in Jeremy Hellickson and Rich Hill. But Hellickson may be leaning towards returning to the Phillies, and Hill should have plenty of options. Barring a complete overspend on Hill, I don’t see him being a realistic signing for Miami. A couple of free agents who make sense for the Marlins are Doug Fister and Ivan Nova. If the …

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