The Miami Marlins have designated left-handed pitcher Josh Simpson for assignment to open a spot on their 40-man roster, officially allowing them to complete the signing of fellow southpaw John King on a one-year contract. This roster adjustment is part of Miami’s ongoing effort to refine and strengthen their pitching staff amid the offseason.
Simpson’s short major league career reflects the challenges many pitchers face. Since debuting last June, the six-foot-two left-hander appeared in 31 games but struggled with a 7.34 ERA over 30⅔ innings. While he excelled at inducing ground balls at a rate of 54% and struck out almost 25% of batters, persistent control issues undermined his performance.
He walked nearly 15% of hitters and surrendered about 1.5 home runs per nine innings. These struggles with command were not new, as Simpson had maintained an 11.6% walk rate throughout his minor league tenure, a trend that followed him into the majors.
Simpson’s Path from Underdog to Major Leaguer
Simpson’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball careers. Drafted by Miami in the 32nd round of 2019 with a modest $25,000 signing bonus, he was never viewed as a high-profile prospect. Nevertheless, his steady performance up to Double-A earned him a spot on the Marlins’ 40-man roster in 2022, protecting him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
His trajectory nearly stalled in 2024 after he suffered a nerve injury in his forearm that required surgery, sidelining him for much of the season. The Marlins removed him from the 40-man roster that offseason, but Simpson’s determination was evident in his return, as he posted a 3.41 ERA across 34⅓ innings at Triple-A Jacksonville last year, which earned him another chance in the majors.
Meanwhile, John King’s one-year deal brings experienced left-handed relief depth to the Marlins’ bullpen, reflecting Miami’s strategy to blend veteran presence with developing talent.
Possible Outcomes for Simpson’s Next Steps
Following his designation, the Marlins are expected to place Simpson on waivers within five days, allowing other teams to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, Simpson can reject a minor league assignment and opt for free agency instead. This is a familiar scenario for young pitchers who have some MLB exposure yet still display room for growth.
Simpson’s ability to induce ground balls and strikeouts could attract interest from clubs willing to invest in refining his control, keeping him in professional baseball despite recent struggles.
King’s Addition Strengthens Miami’s Bullpen Experience
John King’s arrival signals Miami’s intent to enhance their left-handed relief options with a player who brings more experience to the fold. This move illustrates the constant balancing act MLB teams perform during the offseason market, where each new addition necessitates a corresponding roster departure. Unfortunately, Simpson was the casualty in this scenario, despite his impressive resilience after injury setbacks.
For Simpson, being designated for assignment might not be the end of his time with the Marlins organization. Players often find opportunities to return to teams familiar with their development, and his knowledge of Miami’s system could prove advantageous if he clears waivers and agrees to return at the minor league level.
This roster shift underscores the fine margins that define professional baseball careers, where minor differences in walk rates or home run allowed can dictate a player’s standing. Simpson’s progression from a 32nd-round pick to making an MLB debut and now facing a potential move illustrates both the challenges and possibilities that shape a baseball player’s journey.
