The Miami Marlins are heading into the Winter Meetings with a lot more than just free agency on their radar. While there’s been plenty of buzz about the team’s willingness to spend-relatively speaking-to upgrade the lineup, the real intrigue might be on the trade front, particularly when it comes to their starting rotation.
Two names stand out: Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara. Both right-handers are drawing attention from pitching-needy teams across the league, but there’s no guarantee either gets moved.
According to reports, the Marlins are expecting Alcantara to be part of their Opening Day roster, and while Cabrera is the likelier trade chip, Miami isn’t actively shopping either arm. Still, with the Winter Meetings approaching, it’s almost certain the phones will be ringing.
Let’s start with Cabrera. He’s the most valuable potential trade piece in the Marlins’ rotation, and for good reason.
At 27, he’s still in his prime, with a projected $3.7 million salary and three more years of team control. His 2025 numbers-3.53 ERA, 25.8% strikeout rate, 8.3% walk rate, and a 46.6% ground-ball rate over 137 2/3 innings-showcase the kind of upside that teams covet in a mid-rotation starter.
That said, there’s a history of injuries that can’t be ignored. Since 2021, Cabrera has dealt with a laundry list of ailments, including elbow and shoulder issues, as well as recurring blister problems.
This past season marked the first time he crossed the 100-inning threshold in the majors, which has made some teams hesitant to meet Miami’s high asking price-reportedly “premium prospects.”
Alcantara, meanwhile, is a bit more of a mystery this offseason. While his name has surfaced in trade chatter, the Marlins seem more inclined to keep him in the fold.
There’s no denying his pedigree-he’s been the face of the rotation and a workhorse when healthy. But coming off surgery and with a longer-term outlook, the team might see him as a foundational piece rather than a trade chip.
Another name to watch is Ryan Weathers. Acquired in the 2023 trade that sent Garrett Cooper to San Diego, Weathers has flashed real potential when healthy.
The lefty has battled through a string of injuries-lat, flexor, and finger strains-but in his 24 starts since Opening Day 2024, he’s logged 125 innings with a 3.74 ERA, a 22% strikeout rate, and a 6.8% walk rate. He’s averaged 96.2 mph on his fastball since 2024 and has kept nearly half of batted balls on the ground.
There’s clear upside here, but as with Cabrera, durability is the concern. With three years of team control left, the Marlins could move him, but they’d be doing so at a low point in his value.
Of course, the Marlins aren’t just looking to deal arms-they’re also trying to add bats. First base has been the primary focus so far, but the front office, led by president of baseball operations Peter Bendix, is expanding its search to include the outfield and third base.
The thinking is that the versatility of players like Connor Norby and Griffin Conine gives Miami some flexibility. Norby is already being considered at first base, and the team plans to give Conine reps there this spring.
Outfielder Heriberto Hernandez is another name in the mix for first base duties.
The bullpen is another area where Miami is actively looking to upgrade. They’ve already been linked to some big names-Devin Williams (now with the Mets), Raisel Iglesias (re-signed with Atlanta), and Pete Fairbanks (a familiar face for Bendix from his Rays days). Now, there are a few more relievers on the Marlins’ radar: Kyle Finnegan, Tyler Rogers, and Taylor Rogers.
Finnegan, 34, has long been a reliable closer for the Nationals, but after a midseason trade to Detroit, he took his game to another level. The Tigers helped him unlock a new gear by increasing his splitter usage and adjusting his release point, and the results were eye-opening.
In 18 innings with Detroit, Finnegan posted a 1.50 ERA and saw his strikeout rate jump from 19.6% to 34.8%. That’s the kind of late-inning arm that could stabilize any bullpen.
Then there are the Rogers twins. Taylor, a lefty, was once an All-Star closer with the Twins and remains a dependable middle reliever.
He’s bounced around a bit in recent years, suiting up for the Giants, Reds, and Cubs. Tyler, on the other hand, has emerged as the more dominant of the two.
The right-handed submariner doesn’t overpower hitters-his sinker averages just 83.5 mph-but he’s a master of deception and command. Since 2021, he’s logged 378 1/3 innings with a 2.71 ERA, including a sparkling 1.98 ERA in 77 1/3 innings between the Giants and Mets in 2025.
He rarely walks hitters (just a 2.2% walk rate since 2024) and ranks among the league’s best in limiting hard contact.
Financially, the Marlins have room to maneuver. Their projected 2026 payroll sits at just $59 million, with luxury tax obligations under $70 million.
There’s a general expectation that they’ll need to push that number closer to $105 million to avoid any revenue-sharing complications with the MLBPA. That could mean adding free agents, trading for veterans with guaranteed salaries, or even working out extensions for players already on the roster.
On that front, the Marlins have reportedly had preliminary extension talks with both Kyle Stowers and Eury Perez. While nothing is imminent, those conversations could pick back up later in the offseason.
So, while the Marlins may not be headlining the free-agent market, they’re very much in the thick of the offseason action. Whether it’s moving a starter, adding a veteran bat, or locking down bullpen help, Miami has the flexibility-and the motivation-to make some noise. The question now is how aggressive they’ll get, and whether they’re ready to cash in some of that pitching depth to reshape the roster for 2026 and beyond.