Thursday, July 30

MIAMI – The Marlins find themselves in a unique situation with Monday’s 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline fast approaching. 

A franchise-record 12-game skid impacted Miami’s plans since the club went from 10 games over to two below .500 in less than three weeks.  

Miami, which was tied for the second National League Wild Card before the losing streak, enters Wednesday two games back of the third and final spot with 54 contests remaining. The club’s postseason odds are 12.9 percent, according to FanGraphs.

There is still a chance of October baseball for the Marlins, especially with no one distancing themselves from the pack. But they would need to make history in the process, as no Major League club has ever reached the postseason after losing 12 in a row. 

Through the ups and downs, what hasn’t changed is this: The Marlins contain a roster of young and controllable players that don’t need to be dealt. Some have improved, and others have regressed. There are also prospects knocking on the door. 

The Marlins’ big-picture goal is to be a 90-plus-win team on a yearly basis – and they think that will happen soon. Any moves will take into consideration a combination of that and short-term success. 

Here’s what I’m hearing about some hot Deadline topics. 

Will the Marlins trade Sandy Alcantara? 

Alcantara, who entered Tuesday’s start with the most innings thrown in the Majors and tied for the most quality starts, has been the subject of rumors in recent memory. 

After being shopped around last summer while struggling in his return from elbow surgery, it would be a surprise if the Marlins dealt him this year while he has regained form. The Marlins intend to compete in 2027, and Alcantara’s $21 million club option is affordable. He also means so much to the organization both on and off the field. 

Who could be on the market? 

With catcher Joe Mack’s emergence as an NL Rookie of the Year candidate and Kyle Stowers’ transition to first base on a near-full-time basis, Liam Hicks is blocked at both positions and has primarily served as the club’s designated hitter as a result. 

Entering Tuesday, Hicks ranked second on the team with 14 homers and led Miami with 60 RBIs. He has 0 defensive runs saved at catcher (and 3 DRS at first base) this season, making him an everyday backstop -- if not for Mack setting a Gold Glove-caliber standard. 

Don’t forget about Agustín Ramírez, who is trying to improve his defense at catcher (being a serviceable backup to Mack would be good enough) and lower his ground-ball rate at Triple-A Jacksonville. During his rookie season in 2025, the right-handed-hitting Ramírez slugged 21 homers. Miami has faith it’s still in there somewhere and would love if he rejoined the left-handed-heavy roster again. 

The Marlins also believe in their starting-pitching depth, which has made left-hander Braxton Garrett the odd man out this season. 

Like Alcantara, Garrett is a command guy – something that is usually last to come back in a return from elbow surgery. Despite the low 2.32 ERA in 15 Triple-A outings (14 starts), Garrett’s 3.4 BB/9 is his highest since 2021. In two big league starts, Garrett’s lack of command got exposed and led to his demotion.  

And then there’s left-handed-hitting outfielder Griffin Conine, who has raked (124 OPS+) when healthy in a short Major League sample (94 games from 2024-26 entering Tuesday).  

However, when Owen Caissie -- the centerpiece of the Edward Cabrera trade -- returns from the injured list, 29-year-old corner outfielder Conine’s playing time will likely decrease to give way to the 24-year-old left-handed-hitting Caissie (110 OPS+ in ‘26). In left field, right-handed-hitting Heriberto Hernández leads the Marlins with 15 homers. Plus, there are plenty of Double-A and Triple-A outfielders in the pipeline. 

Could the Marlins capitalize on the reliever market? 

There is no better time of year to do so, and the club has plenty of controllable arms – but won’t move any unless the right deal comes along. 

Since bullpen performance can be so volatile from year to year, the Deadline is the perfect time to get value back when someone’s stock is at its highest. The Marlins are also confident in their ability to develop and/or improve relief arms (see: Ronny Henriquez, John King and co.). 

This year’s prime example is right-hander Michael Petersen, who has a 143 ERA+, 17 holds and one save in his age-32 season. High-leverage reliever Anthony Bender is still on the IL and hasn’t begun a rehab assignment yet. King, who has proven to be the club’s best offseason signing, is an arbitration-eligible southpaw.   

The biggest decision might come down to closer Pete Fairbanks. Signed to a franchise-record contract for a reliever over the winter, his contract expires at the end of a disappointing season.  

Though Fairbanks’ struggles have been chronicled, his K/9 (12.1) is higher than it has been since 2023, his stuff looks the same and he has postseason experience. 

The Marlins won’t move him just to move him. It will depend on what is available in a return. After all, they brought Fairbanks into the fold with the plan of him recording key saves down the stretch and perhaps even in the postseason.

Take a look at how Marlins grounds crew member Evan designs the mounds around loanDepot park.

Esteury Ruiz joined pediatric patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's Alex's Place on Tuesday to create baseball-themed artwork in honor of National Coloring Book Day. 

The art will be featured on a special T-shirt during the club's Childhood Cancer Awareness Day game on Sept. 6 at loanDepot park.

The visit is part of the Marlins' continued partnership with UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Alex’s Place provides outpatient care for children with cancer and blood disorders in a welcoming environment designed specifically for pediatric patients and their families.

In honor of Lou Gehrig Day, which was on June 2 while the club was on the road, the Marlins welcomed ALS Warriors and their families on Sunday to loanDepot park. 

Prior to the game, guests spent time with manager Clayton McCullough, Owen Caissie and Leo Jiménez during an exclusive meet & greet in the third-base tunnel. One Warrior family was also invited to take part in a special pregame tradition by presenting the lineup card before first pitch.

During the pregame ceremony, in partnership with MAD (Making a Difference) at ALS, the Marlins recognized Walk to Defeat ALS Miami Champions Lourdes Machado and Julian Rodriguez and presented each honoree with a $2,500 check in support of their continued fight against ALS.

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