As the baseball world eagerly anticipates the start of Spring Training, the Miami Marlins are gearing up for an exciting season, but one question looms large: Can their pitching rotation rise to the challenge after a lackluster performance last year? Today’s FanFest at LoanDepot Park offered a glimpse into the team’s future, particularly focusing on two key pitchers: Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett. But here’s where it gets intriguing—both are returning from significant injuries, and their roles in 2026 could redefine the Marlins’ rotation.
Max Meyer, the Marlins’ 2020 first-round pick, shared encouraging updates about his recovery from left hip surgery. After undergoing the procedure for a labrum tear in June, Meyer assured reporters, ‘Everything feels good, how it should feel.’ He even resumed running midway through his rehab and maintained a regular throwing program this offseason. Manager Clayton McCullough confirmed that the team plans to use Meyer as a starter, not a reliever—a bold move considering his injury history. But this is the part most people miss: despite his youth and potential, Meyer’s career has been marred by injuries, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of 2022 and 2023. While his groundball rate is impressive, his tendency to allow hard contact and home runs raises questions. Can he stay healthy and live up to his former Top-100 prospect status? Or will his injury-prone past continue to haunt him?
Braxton Garrett, another former first-round pick, is also on the comeback trail after missing the entire 2025 season due to an internal brace procedure on his throwing elbow. Prior to his injuries, Garrett was a reliable mid-rotation arm, posting a 3.63 ERA from 2022-23 with an exceptional walk rate. However, his ability to regain that form after two injury-plagued seasons is far from certain. With Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez anchoring the rotation, Garrett will compete for a mid-rotation spot, but expectations for a full workload are tempered. Interestingly, he has one option year remaining, meaning the Marlins could send him to Triple-A if needed. Is this a safety net or a sign of lingering doubt?
And this is the part that could spark debate: With Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers traded, the Marlins are banking on Alcantara’s return to form and the health of Meyer and Garrett. But is this rotation built on too much hope and not enough certainty?
Shifting to the position players, first base is shaping up to be a hotly contested position in 2026. Manager McCullough hinted at ‘a lot of competition for playing time,’ with Christopher Morel, Griffin Conine, and Liam Hicks in the mix. Morel, a recent addition after being non-tendered by the Rays, is surprisingly open to trying first base despite never playing the position professionally. Conine, primarily an outfielder, is also being considered, though likely as an emergency option. Hicks, the only one with first base experience, could platoon with Morel, who struggles against lefties. But is this a recipe for success, or are the Marlins scrambling to fill a void left by Eric Wagaman’s trade to the Twins?
As the Marlins prepare for 2026, the questions are as abundant as the potential. Can Meyer and Garrett stay healthy and perform? Will the first base competition yield a reliable starter? And most importantly, is this team ready to contend, or are they one injury away from another disappointing season? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
