Kyle Stowers' journey with the Miami Marlins is a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunities. After struggling to find his footing in Baltimore, Stowers faced a pivotal moment with Miami, entering the 2025 season with the weight of past underperformance.
His batting average lingered at a dismal .186, with a strikeout rate over 35 percent, and a spring slugging percentage of just .175. Yet, against the odds, he made the Opening Day roster, surprising many.
Stowers' season opener turned out to be a harbinger of an incredible All-Star campaign, marking one of the most unexpected rises in franchise history. His game-winning RBI single on Opening Day was just the beginning of his clutch performances. While the Marlins' starting pitchers and leadoff man Xavier Edwards struggled early on, Stowers found his rhythm, posting a .288/.368/.544/.912 line and earning a spot as the team's sole representative at the Midsummer Classic.
Looking ahead, predicting another All-Star nod for Stowers isn't far-fetched. Teammates like right-hander Eury Pérez, center fielder Jakob Marsee, and ace Sandy Alcantara are also strong contenders, with Alcantara already a two-time All-Star.
Even shortstop Otto Lopez, with his comprehensive skill set, is in the conversation. But who else might surprise us and make their way to the 2026 All-Star festivities in Philadelphia?
Enter Connor Norby, a potential breakout candidate. After joining the Marlins in 2024, Norby showed flashes of his minor league prowess, hitting seven home runs in 36 games with a .760 OPS.
Despite a challenging season marred by injuries and inconsistent production, Norby remains a key figure for the Marlins' future. This spring, the team has been working on his versatility, playing him at both third and first base.
While his plate discipline needs improvement, his knack for extra-base hits is promising. If Norby can tap into his potential, he might become a significant contributor.
Javier Sanoja, the Gold Glove super-utility player, is another intriguing prospect. Although his offensive output was modest in 2025, his contact skills are undeniable, with an 11.9 K% at the big league level.
Post-All-Star break, Sanoja showed signs of improvement, slugging .478 and hitting a home run in the World Baseball Classic. His ability to avoid strikeouts could lead to an impressive batting average over a sustained period, and his versatility ensures he'll get the necessary playing time.
On the pitching front, Chris Paddack presents an interesting case. Once a highly regarded prospect, Paddack's career has been a rollercoaster, with injuries and inconsistency clouding his potential.
His rookie year in 2019 was his closest brush with All-Star recognition, posting a 3.33 ERA with the Padres. Since then, his ERA has ballooned to 5.06, ranking him near the bottom among pitchers with at least 400 innings in the 2020s.
However, the Marlins saw potential, signing him to a one-year/$4M deal.
Paddack's confidence received a boost with the Marlins' supportive approach, and with a strong defense featuring players like Edwards, Lopez, and Marsee, he could experience a turnaround. The Marlins' defense, ranked seventh-best with plus-17 outs above average, contrasts sharply with his previous teams, potentially setting the stage for Paddack to rediscover his form.
As the Marlins gear up for the 2026 season, these players embody the potential for unexpected success, each poised to make their mark in their own unique ways.