The Marlins spent last offseason reshaping their rotation, and now the conversation has shifted to whether they can add a starter who could help stabilize it for the long haul.
Miami president of baseball operations Peter Bendix already moved two starters a year ago, sending right-hander Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs and left-hander Ryan Weathers to the New York Yankees. This winter, the spotlight is on right-hander Sandy Alcantara and whether he stays in South Florida or gets dealt. If he remains, he is set to become a free agent in 2027, leaving Miami with the risk of losing him for nothing.
That uncertainty is why Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report floated a possible free-agent fit for the Marlins: Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga. Kelly sees him as a possible answer either behind Alcantara in the rotation or as a future replacement.
Imanaga is one of the more intriguing starting pitchers available this winter. He spent the last three seasons with the Cubs and had a standout rookie year in 2024, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA over 173.1 innings. He struck out 174 batters and walked only 28 in 29 appearances, numbers that earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team.
His production has dipped since then, but Kelly pointed to a different trait that could make him appealing in Miami. Over the last two seasons, Imanaga has allowed 66 home runs, tying Tomoyuki Sugano and Zack Littell for the MLB lead.
"loanDepot Park is tied for the fifth-fewest home runs allowed over the last three seasons. Imanaga could join the Marlins to serve as insurance if they trade Sandy Alcantara this offseason or lose him in free agency next winter," wrote Kelly, who cited MLB Park Factors.
That fit makes sense on paper. loanDepot Park suppresses home runs better than places like Coors Field in Denver and Fenway Park in Boston, and getting a large share of his starts there could help Imanaga’s numbers in that area.
The issue, as always for Miami, is cost. Kelly projected a two-year, $34 million deal, or $17 million per season, which would be a significant investment for the Marlins.
Still, Miami has been hanging around the National League wild-card race the last couple of seasons, only to fade in September both times. If the goal is to finally push through, starting pitching remains a logical place to attack, and Imanaga would give Bendix a legitimate swing at upgrading the rotation.
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Marlins Spring Battle Is Starting To Reveal Who Has The Edge
The Marlins have spent the early part of spring sorting out a roster that has gotten noticeably younger, with several additions to the 40-man mix including Ronny Henriquez, Cameron Weston, William Kempner, Adam Mazur, Robby Snelling and Andrew Nardi. Those moves have helped clarify the shape of the clubs competition, and they also point to a front office still looking for useful arms while giving a closer look to players who could matter soon.
Javier Sanoja has moved into position to handle third base, giving Miami a clearer answer on the left side of the infield as camp unfolds. Behind the plate, Agustn Ramrez is in line for a backup role, and the Marlins are still weighing what they might get from pitchers such as Weston while keeping an eye on Nardis status. For a team trying to piece together both immediate depth and longer-term upside, the spring battles are beginning to narrow the field. [Read more 🡒]