MIAMI -- Marlins Spring Training officially gets underway on Wednesday. While everyone at camp has something to work on, here are pitchers and catchers with storylines to follow this spring: RHP Sandy Alcantara
Is Alcantara back? After scuffling for much of the 2025 season in his return from Tommy John surgery, he looked like himself over his final eight starts (2.68 ERA). The Marlins flirted with a postseason spot despite Alcantara not pitching like an “ace.” Can he regain that descriptor? C Agustín Ramírez
So far, the company line is confident in Ramírez’s ability to perform better behind the plate. After a few spring games, then a sojourn to the World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic, Ramírez will need to show defensive improvement upon his return. Otherwise, the days will be counting down until Joe Mack time. RHP Max Meyer Can Meyer stay healthy? First, it was Tommy John surgery in 2022. Then it was right shoulder bursitis in ‘24. Left hip surgery ended his ’25 season in June. If Meyer can stay on the mound, that gives him a chance to prove he is a starter after years of talk about him being suited for a back-end relief role. |
LHP Braxton Garrett
Garrett will be returning from a second Tommy John surgery, which wiped out his 2025 season. Before the elbow trouble, he broke out in 2023, then battled through shoulder issues in ’24, though he still managed to record his first career shutout. As the only southpaw starter with MLB experience on the 40-man roster, his presence is crucial. LHP Andrew Nardi
Once one of the Majors’ more reliable left-handed relievers, Nardi has become a question mark. He hasn’t pitched since Aug. 21, 2024, when a left elbow muscle injury prematurely ended his season. In 2025, Nardi remained off the mound due to recurring back trouble. As of now, Cade Gibson is the only reliable lefty reliever on the 40-man roster. RHP Chris Paddack
Miami reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with Paddack, who was originally selected by the organization in the 2015 Draft before being dealt a year later. Now a seven-year veteran, he is coming off a 5.35 ERA in 33 games (28 starts) with two teams last season. Can he round out the rotation and provide better results than Cal Quantrill did in 2025? |
RHP Bradley Blalock
Prior to the Marlins coming to terms with Paddack, they added pitching depth with the acquisition of Blalock. Things haven’t clicked yet for the 25-year-old in 21 games (18 starts) in the Majors, but the organization has been able to develop reclamation projects. C Liam Hicks
Lost in all the talk about Ramírez and Mack is Hicks, who skipped the Triple-A level as a Rule 5 Draft pick and held his own in 2025 (94 OPS+). In order to remain on the MLB club -- bouncing around from catcher, first base and designated hitter last season -- he’ll need to provide more impact with the bat. LHP Josh Simpson
With uncertainty surrounding Nardi’s health, Simpson’s ability to grow from his rookie season (7.34 ERA in 31 games) is pivotal. It’s tough to manage against National League East lineups with only one southpaw in the bullpen. RHP Garrett Acton
This has all the makings of a hidden gem after Miami claimed the 27-year-old off waivers from Colorado in early February. Acton made just one MLB appearance in 2025 in his return from Tommy John surgery, but he posted a 1.125 WHIP and a 10.9 K/9 rate in 45 games at Triple-A. Can he sneak into the Opening Day bullpen? C Joe Mack
When both Ramírez (DR) and Hicks (Canada) leave for the World Baseball Classic, Mack should get plenty of reps as the lone 40-man catcher still at camp. It will be invaluable experience for Mack, who is considered the club’s future backstop and could step in if Ramírez or Hicks falters. In a small sample size last spring, Mack held his own at the plate (.833 OPS in 19 plate appearances). LHP Robby Snelling
Snelling, the organization’s reigning Minor League Pitcher of the Year and MLB Pipeline’s No. 39 overall prospect, enters big league camp as a non-roster invitee for the second time. Last spring was a mixed bag in his only two outings. Snelling has developed so much since then and is nearly big league ready. Will his performance reflect that? LHP Thomas White
Like Snelling, White (MLB Pipeline’s No. 17 overall prospect) is a non-roster invitee. In his second full professional season, White went from High-A Beloit to Triple-A Jacksonville for two starts. White, who has been the Marlins’ Spring Breakout starter in consecutive years, will get his first look at Grapefruit League action. |
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MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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Dillon Lewis talks about being drafted, competing for his position, being traded to the Marlins and more. |
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According to the Marlins, 20,737 people attended FanFest presented by ADT on Saturday. About 85 of those fans were from six Miracle League of Miami-Dade teams, as part of the organization’s Baseball For All program presented by ABA Centers of Florida. Per longstanding tradition, the athletes kicked off FanFest festivities by participating in four Miracle League games on the big league field. Several Marlins even joined the action by engaging and celebrating with the athletes and families: manager Clayton McCullough, Jakob Marsee, Graham Pauley, Michael Petersen, William Kempner and Joe Mack. The Marlins also spent time taking photos and signing autographs with the group. |
• Teal is back for Sunday home games. More >> • Retrace Marlins uniform history here. • Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis are headed to the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame. More >> • The Marlins designated for assignment Victor Mesa Jr. and claimed reliever Acton from the Rockies. More >> • Take a look at the giveaways and theme nights at loanDepot park in 2026.
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