The Miami Marlins enter the 2026 season following a surprisingly competitive 79-win season in 2025. Though they traded away two valuable starting pitchers (Edward Cabera and Ryan Weathers), they still have their top two in Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez. Coming back in those trades were some of the top prospects in baseball (Owen Caissie, Dillon Lewis, and Brendan Jones) who could all potentially see some playing time at the major league level this season. In a savvy buy-low move, the front office acquired Esteury Ruiz from the Dodgers, who has great speed, and will provide the Marlins with high-ceiling utility option that is a major threat to steal bases whenever he gets on-base. The Marlins are hoping to capitalize off their 2025 finish and are pivoting toward a youth-heavy roster in hopes of being a sneaky postseason contender.
Lineup
The Marlins lineup is defined by youth and defensive versatility. The trio of Agustin Ramirez, Christopher Morel, and Caissie represent the most legitimate power threats the Marlins have rostered in years. Xavier Edwards (.283 BA, 27 SB) and Jakob Marsee (.292 BA, 14 SB) provide a combination of speed and high-upside OBP; which has been designed to stress opposing pitchers before the power hitters step into the box. Kyle Stowers is currently battling a hamstring injury, and if he isn’t 100% by the season opener, expect Griffin Conine to slide into the outfield and Heriberto Hernandez to potentially see time at DH. Otto Lopez is coming off a 15-home run and 77 RBI season and gives Miami a strong defensive middle-infield being paired with Edwards.
Rotation
The starting rotation remains the strength for the Marlins. Alcantara is officially back to form as last season he performed unevenly (5.36 ERA) in his return from Tommy John surgery. Perez, following his own 2024 surgery, threw 118 innings in 2025 with a 3.86 ERA down the stretch. With both Alcantara and Perez fully healthy they could be the best 1-2 in baseball. Max Meyer, who has battled UCL and hip injuries the past three seasons, is locked into the #3 spot but he must show the Marlins that he can remain healthy and durable. Chris Paddack, whom the Marlins originally drafted in 2015, has been brought back on a 1-year deal, with hopes that we can help stabilize the backend of the rotation and provide 120+ innings. Janson Junk won the #5 spot this spring.
Bullpen
After a 2025 season in which the bullpen posted a collective 4.28 ERA and struggled to find a consistent closer, the front office made moves to improve it. The headline move this winter was signing Pete Fairbanks to a 1 year, $13million contract to step into the closing role; as he brings elite velocity (99+mph) and a 30% strikeout rate. Calvin Faucher, who served as the primary closer in late 2025, slides into a more natural setup role. Anthony Bender, fully recovered from a tibial stress reaction that slowed his 2025, returns with his sinker/slider combo and is a groundball machine for getting out opposing batters. Tyler Phillips is a reliable arm who can provide multiple innings of relief or can settle a game down in the 6th or 7th
Projected Lineup
- Xavier Edwards – 2B
- Jakob Marsee – CF
- Own Caissie – RF
- Agustin Ramierz – C
- Christopher Morel – 1B
- Kyle Stowers – LF
- Connor Norby – 3B
- Griffin Conine – DH
- Otto Lopez – SS
Projected Rotation
- Sandy Alcantara
- Eury Perez
- Max Meyer
- Chris Paddack
- Janson Jenk
Projected Bullpen
Pete Fairbanks – Closer
Calvin Faucher – Setup
Anthony Bender
Tyler Phillips
John King
Manager: Clayton McCullough (2nd season)
Projection: 75-87 (4th in the NL East)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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