The Miami Marlins are generating excitement for the 2026 season, even after some recent roster changes that have left fans buzzing. Recently, the team made headlines by trading away one of their standout starting pitchers, leading to much speculation about their future direction. The burning question was whether Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera would be on the move, and it was Cabrera who ultimately headed to the Chicago Cubs in a deal that brought back some promising young prospects (https://www.si.com/mlb/marlins/onsi/news/marlins-trade-edward-cabrera-cubs-pair-top-ranked-prospects).
This trade reflects the Marlins’ strategy of nurturing their youthful roster and aligning with a vision for long-term success. Despite losing Cabrera, many MLB analysts remain optimistic about Miami's pitching lineup, suggesting that they still possess a formidable rotation that could surprise fans and critics alike.
ESPN's Bradford Doolittle recently conducted a stock evaluation of all 30 Major League Baseball teams as we approach spring training next month, and he has shared a positive outlook for the Marlins, even post-Cabrera trade.
Doolittle emphasizes that Miami is still a work in progress, particularly as this offseason has been relatively quiet. However, he is optimistic about what the starting rotation might achieve under second-year manager Clayton McCullough. He noted, "The rotation has a chance to be special, but that prospect hinges on potential, recovery from injuries, and positive trends rather than established performance records. Sandy Alcantara is the prime example of this potential. If the former Cy Young winner can replicate his 2025 numbers, then our optimism about this rotation may begin to wane. Only three teams can boast younger rotations, and similarly, only three have a younger group of position players"
Looking ahead, the second half of the last season showed a lot of promise for Alcantara, indicating he’s on track to bounce back from surgery and reclaim his status as the ace the Marlins rely on. If Eury Pérez steps up as the No. 2 pitcher for the team and McCullough, the Marlins could very well position themselves as serious contenders in terms of pitching for the 2026 season. Additionally, acquiring Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays as a closer could prove to be one of the more understated yet impactful moves of the offseason.
While Doolittle's confidence in the Marlins’ rotation is evident, he remains more cautious regarding their batting lineup. Nevertheless, Kyle Stowers is returning with hopes of exceeding the performance of his breakout 2025 season (https://www.si.com/mlb/marlins/onsi/news/marlins-boss-reveals-why-bullish-about-kyle-stowers), despite suffering an injury that curtailed his momentum.
For Miami to truly contend for a playoff spot, the team will need several of its younger position players to step up their game and deliver better performances. Should they succeed, this could be a team that genuinely competes for a postseason berth.
As we inch closer to mid-January, there’s a tangible sense that the Marlins have significant upside potential for the 2026 season. Their stock is certainly on the rise.
