The Miami Marlins are setting their sights on contention by 2026, focusing on key player development and strategic offseason decisions [1, 9]. After a disappointing 100-loss season in 2024, the Marlins showed improvement in 2025, finishing with a 79-83 record [8, 9, 18]. However, their negative run differential (-89) suggests there's still work to be done [8].
Prospect Power and Potential
The Marlins' future may hinge on the development of their prospects. Shortstop Arquette, ranked 60th among all prospects at the end of 2025, could secure a position in Miami for the next decade [5]. Lefty pitcher Rhys White has generated considerable excitement, adding 30 pounds of muscle and posting a 2.31 ERA with a 39% strikeout rate [6]. Karson Milbrandt, who finished the year strong in Double-A, is another pitching prospect with significant upside, though command issues need to be addressed [7]. Agustin Ramirez, acquired from the Yankees in a trade for Jazz Chisholm Jr., made his MLB debut in 2025 and was named the team's Rookie of the Year [2].
Key Offseason Decisions
Several key decisions loom for the Marlins as they prepare for the 2026 season [1]. One critical choice is whether to pursue a reunion with Luis Arraez, although some analysts believe that signing him may not be the best course of action [3, 4]. Another involves potentially trading with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire players like Dylan Carlson or JoJo Romero [13, 14, 16]. Romero, in particular, is coming off a career year with a 2.07 ERA and a knack for stranding inherited runners [14]. The team will also be looking to fill gaps in their roster through free agency and trades [10, 15]. Kyle Stowers paced the Top 5 Marlins in Wins Above Replacement in 2025, further highlighting the team's progress [9]. Clayton McCullough took over as manager, following Skip Schumaker's departure [11].
TL;DR
* The Miami Marlins are aiming to contend by 2026, relying on a combination of prospect development and strategic roster moves. * Key prospects like Arquette, Rhys White, and Karson Milbrandt could play significant roles in the team's future. * The Marlins will need to make smart decisions in free agency and trades to address roster needs and improve their competitiveness. * Agustin Ramirez was named the team's Rookie of the Year after a strong debut season [2].