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Chris Paddack Chris Paddack Rotation spot secure Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 1:29 PM Marlins manager Clayton McCullough announced Friday that Paddack will be included in Miami's starting rotation to begin the season, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. Analysis: The right-hander signed with the Marlins earlier this week and will be guaranteed a rotation spot despite posting a 5.35 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 112:37 K:BB across 158 regular-season innings between the Tigers and Twins last year. That workload was a career high and was the first time since Paddack's rookie year in 2019 that he topped 110 frames. He's never come close to replicating the 3.33 ERA he posted during his debut campaign, however.
Sandy Alcantara Sandy Alcantara Working on sweeper Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 10:25 AM Alcantara is incorporating a sweeper into his pitch mix, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. Analysis: The 30-year-old righty began working on the pitch this offseason, and Alcantara is already comfortable enough with it that he threw nine of them during a pitch-design session Thursday, getting a swing and miss from Javier Sanoja on one sweeper. "Me and [pitching coach Daniel Moskos] had a conversation last year about that," Alcantara said. "We need a pitch that breaks more and is more slow. Finally, we have it." Alcantara has a strong finish to 2025 even without the new offering, going 5-1 with a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 52:10 K:BB in 53.2 innings over his last eight starts -- numbers comparable to his 2022 campaign, when he won the NL Cy Young Award.
Josh Simpson Josh Simpson Booted from roster Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 8:37 PM Simpson was designated for assignment Thursday. Analysis: Simpson made his big-league debut in 2025, posting a 7.34 ERA and 1.83 WHIP across 30.2 innings with the Marlins. He walked 22 during that time while also serving up 1.5 HR/9. Those numbers make it little surprise that Simpson lost his roster spot, a move that created room for John King to officially be added to the roster.
Ronny Henriquez Ronny Henriquez Lands on 60-day injured list Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 4:02 PM The Marlins placed Henriquez (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday. Analysis: The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Chris Paddack, whose signing was officially announced Thursday. Henriquez underwent a UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace procedure on his right elbow in December and will be sidelined for the duration of the 2026 season.
Agustin Ramirez Agustin Ramirez Working hard to improve defense Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 10:37 AM Ramirez has committed himself this offseason to improving his defense behind the plate, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. "I was learning something new every game," Ramirez said Wednesday about his rookie campaign in the majors. "That's what I was experiencing last season. I'm coming with that experience this year. It feels really good because you know exactly where to go and what to do." Analysis: The 24-year-old has already impressed with the offensive side of his game -- he was the first rookie catcher in MLB history to record 20 homers and 15 steals in a season -- but Ramirez's defense needs a lot of work. He spent the offseason in the Dominican Republic working on his mobility, to improve his range and ability to block balls in the dirt, but that's not the only hole in his skill set. Ramirez's minus-14 defensive runs saves in 2025 included a rough 8.8 percent caught-stealing rate, as base stealers were successful on 82 of 91 attempts against him. His bat will be a fixture in the Marlins' lineup in 2026, but if Ramirez's defense continues to be an issue, he could be moved to first base or DH considering top catching prospect Joe Mack is knocking on the door at Triple-A.
Braxton Garrett Braxton Garrett Touching 95 mph in live BP Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 8:48 AM Garrett was touching 95 mph in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Garrett missed the entire 2025 season after December 2024 internal brace surgery on his left elbow but has no restrictions at the beginning of camp. The left-hander averaged 90.7 mph with his four-seamer in 2024 and has never averaged more than 91.5 mph with the pitch, so the fact that he's already touching the mid-90s early on in spring training is a good sign. Garrett will likely have some kind of workload restrictions in 2026, but he should have a spot in the Marlins' rotation locked up.
John King John King Lands with Miami Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 2:24 PM King agreed Wednesday with the Marlins on a one-year, $1.5 million deal, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Non-tendered by the Cardinals in late November, King sat on the open market for months waiting on a fully guaranteed major-league deal until the Marlins finally stepped up to the table. In Miami, King likely projects to fill a middle-relief role in front of presumptive closer Pete Fairbanks. Over 51 appearances out of the St. Louis bullpen in 2025, the 31-year-old King submitted a 4.66 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 28:14 K:BB in 48.1 innings.
Andrew Nardi Andrew Nardi Healthy to kick off spring Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 10:29 AM Nardi (back) threw a live bullpen session during Wednesday's workout at spring training, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Nardi didn't pitch in 2025 after experiencing lower-back inflammation in spring training and requiring an injection in late April to relieve discomfort. The lefty reliever was able to throw off a mound before the end of the season, and he appears to have turned a corner in his recovery over the offseason. Nardi could resurface as a setup or middle-relief arm for Miami after maintaining a 4.51 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 167:53 K:BB over 121.2 career innings in the big leagues.
Ryan Gusto Ryan Gusto Cleared for start of camp Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 9:07 AM Gusto (shoulder) will be available to pitch this week as spring training gets underway, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Gusto closed the 2025 season on the Marlins' injured list after he was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement in late August, but he was able to make a full recovery over the offseason. Between his stops with Houston and Miami last season, Gusto started 17 of his 27 appearances and posted a 5.67 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 101.2 innings. The Marlins could have the right-hander stretch out as a starter during spring training, but he'll likely serve as more of a insurance option for the rotation and could begin the campaign as a long man out of the bullpen.
Braxton Garrett Braxton Garrett Cleared for start of camp Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 9:04 AM Garrett (elbow) will be available to pitch this week as spring training gets underway, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The Marlins announced Wednesday that aside from Calvin Faucher -- who has yet to report to camp --and the rehabbing Ronny Henriquez (elbow), all pitchers on the 40-man roster are operating with no restrictions to begin camp. Garrett missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing elbow surgery with an internal brace in December 2024, but he told Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com that he threw "a couple" live bullpen sessions prior to reporting to camp and is scheduled to throw another one Wednesday. Since he's coming off a major injury, Garrett may be eased into Grapefruit League action, but the 28-year-old lefty should have a fairly clear path to an Opening Day rotation spot.
Max Meyer Max Meyer Cleared for start of camp Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 8:58 AM Meyer (hip) will be available to pitch this week as spring training gets underway, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The Marlins announced Wednesday that aside from Calvin Faucher -- who has yet to report to camp --and the rehabbing Ronny Henriquez (elbow), all pitchers on the 40-man roster are operating with no restrictions to begin camp. A healthy Meyer should have the inside track on a spot in the Opening Day rotation. The 26-year-old turned in a 4.73 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 68:20 K:BB across 64.2 innings over 12 starts in 2025 before he was shut down with a left hip labral injury that required season-ending surgery in late June.
Chris Paddack Chris Paddack Inks deal with Miami Mon, Feb 9, 2026, 11:08 AM The Marlins signed Paddack to a one-year, $4 million contract Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. Analysis: Paddack pitched to a 4.95 ERA across 21 starts with the Twins last season before being shipped to the Tigers at the trade deadline. He pitched in 12 games for Detroit, making seven starts, and logged a miserable 6.32 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB across 47 innings. In Miami, Paddack figures to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Max Meyer (hip) and Braxton Garrett (elbow). Robby Snelling, Janson Junk and Adam Mazur will be Paddack's top competition.
Sandy Alcantara Sandy Alcantara Likely Opening Day starter Sun, Feb 8, 2026, 9:33 AM Alcantara is the favorite to get the Opening Day start for the Marlins, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: It's an honor the right-hander has been given five times previously, and after he surprisingly was one of the starting pitchers Miami didn't trade this offseason, Alcantara's only real competition for the assignment is Eury Perez. Alcantara also believes he's much more prepared to regain his top form in 2026 than he was last season in his return from Tommy John surgery. "Coming back from TJ, you're not going to do great since the first day," he said Friday. "You've got to be step by step. Mentally, I was thinking too much, people talking negative about myself... I've just got to be able to be healthy this year, showing the people in Spring Training that I can do great and just got to keep believing." Alcantara did seem to turn a corner over the final six weeks of 2025, posting a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 52:10 K:BB over his last eight starts and 53.2 innings.
Connor Norby Connor Norby Might be headed for utility role Fri, Feb 6, 2026, 10:16 AM Norby is expected to see some time in the outfield this spring, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The 25-year-old heads into camp competing with Graham Pauley for the starting third base job, but Norby may be behind in that battle before he even reports to Jupiter. Pauley graded out as the superior defender at the hot corner last season, and even if the duo wind up in a platoon, Norby would be on the short end of it as a right-handed hitter. He also had trouble staying healthy in 2025, and shifting to a utility role might help him stay on the field. Norby did finish last season on a high note at the plate, slashing .293/.344/.500 over 58 plate appearances after returning in late August from wrist surgery, although even then he missed time in September due to a quad strain.
Graham Pauley Graham Pauley Could be favorite for 3B job Fri, Feb 6, 2026, 10:09 AM Pauley may be the favorite to win the Marlins' starting job at third base over Connor Norby due to his superior defense, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: A platoon could also emerge between the lefty-swinging Pauley and the right-handed Norby if neither seizes the starting gig this spring. However, Pauley would seem to have the edge after recording six Outs Above Average last season, tied for fifth among third baseman, while seeing his offense pick up in the second half. Norby is also expected to get some work in the outfield during camp, which could signal a transition into a utility role. Pauley slashed a respectable .250/.367/.474 over 90 plate appearances after the All-Star break in 2025 with four homers, two steals and a sharp 14:15 BB:K.
Braxton Garrett Braxton Garrett Expected to be full-go in camp Fri, Feb 6, 2026, 10:02 AM Garrett (elbow) isn't expected to have any restrictions when spring training begins, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Garrett didn't pitch at all in 2025 while recovering from December 2024 elbow surgery that included an internal brace procedure. The 28-year-old southpaw had shown flashes of upside before that, including a shutout of the Diamondbacks in May 2024, and with the Marlins having traded Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers this offseason, the team is counting on Garrett to fill one of three openings in the rotation behind Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez.
Max Meyer Max Meyer Should have no restrictions in camp Fri, Feb 6, 2026, 9:56 AM Meyer (hip) is expected to be a full-go for the start of spring training, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Analysis: The 26-year-old right-hander go off to a fast start last season, posting a 2.10 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB through 30 innings over his first five starts, but Meyer's numbers cratered after that due to a hip issue that eventually required surgery. With the Marlins having traded Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers this offseason, the team has three open rotation spots behind Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez, and Meyer is being counted on to fill one of them. If he can stay healthy and rediscover that early 2025 form, he'll be headed for a breakout campaign.
Victor Mesa Jr. Victor Mesa Jr. DFA'd by Miami Tue, Feb 3, 2026, 12:45 PM The Marlins designated Mesa for assignment Tuesday. Analysis: The 24-year-old received his first taste of the big leagues in 2025 but struggled in 16 games, going 6-for-32 (.188 average) with one home run and a 5:5 BB:K. Mesa had a .303/.374/.513 slash line across 42 Triple-A games and could generate some interest on the waiver wire.
Garrett Acton Garrett Acton Claimed by Marlins Tue, Feb 3, 2026, 12:42 PM The Marlins claimed Acton off waivers from the Rockies on Tuesday. Analysis: Acton had previously been designated for assignment by the Rockies and has now been scooped up on waivers for the second time this offseason. The 27-year-old reliever made one scoreless appearance for the Rays in 2025 but spent most of the year at Triple-A Durham, where he held a 3.68 ERA and 71:27 K:BB over 58.2 frames. Acton will compete for a spot in Miami's bullpen.
Daniel Johnson Daniel Johnson Signs with Marlins as NRI Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 2:15 PM The Marlins signed Johnson to a minor-league contract Dec. 29 that includes an invitation to big-league spring training. Analysis: Johnson received 57 plate appearances between the Giants and Orioles in 2025, finishing with a .548 OPS. The 30-year-old can handle all three outfield spots and will provide experienced depth at Triple-A Jacksonville, barring his surprising inclusion on the Opening Day roster.