Marlins sticking with Ramos as closer

Despite adding Junichi Tazawa and Brad Ziegler, the Miami Marlins will roll into 2017 with A.J. Ramos as their closer.

Ramos was lights out over the first half of the 2016 season, authoring a 2.25 ERA in 36 innings and notching 27 saves while being named to his first All-Star Game.

It was a different tune in the second half, as Ramos struggled with a 3.54 ERA in 28 innings, eventually losing the closing job to Fernando Rodney, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres in July.

Things got even worse in August, when Ramos was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right middle finger. Upon returning, however, he recorded eight saves and posted a sparkling 0.84 ERA over the final month of the regular season. He will look to continue that strong form in the upcoming season.

For the Marlins, 2017 has the makings of an interesting year. The team is loaded with offensive talent as Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon and J.T. Realmuto will load up the top of the order.

Manager Don Mattingly said Yelich with play center field, while Ozuna will play left, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.

In the bullpen, right-hander Kyle Barraclough also has the makings of a closer, or at least a premier relief option.