The Miami Marlins know the road through the National League East is no cakewalk. Sharing a division with perennial contenders like the Phillies, Mets, and Braves has meant Miami’s margin for error is razor-thin, and more often than not, the standings have reflected that. But even in a 79-83 season that ended in third place, the Marlins showed flashes of fight-most notably when they swept the Yankees in a three-game home set, a series that felt like a statement, even if the momentum didn’t carry through the rest of the year.
Now, heading into 2026, the Marlins are banking on a blend of pitching, defense, and timely hitting to push them back into the postseason conversation. It starts on the mound with Sandy Alcantara, the club’s ace and emotional anchor. If he can return to form and lead the rotation, Miami has the kind of frontline pitching that can keep them competitive in a division where every series feels like October.
But they’ll need more than just one arm. That’s where new addition Pete Fairbanks comes in.
JUST IN: The Marlins have revealed their new teal throwback jersey for the 2026 season ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/0qG11oVvVd
— MLB (@MLB) February 8, 2026
The hard-throwing reliever brings late-inning experience and a bulldog mentality to the bullpen-something the Marlins sorely lacked in high-leverage spots last season. Meanwhile, Christopher Morel offers the kind of positional versatility and power potential that could give the lineup a much-needed spark.
He’s the type of player who can change a game with his bat or his glove, and Miami will be counting on both.
Manager Clayton McCullough knows the Marlins can’t outspend their division rivals, but he’s betting they can out-execute them. That means tighter defense, smarter at-bats, and a pitching staff that keeps them in games deep into the summer. It’s a tall order, but not impossible-especially if the team’s new pieces click and the clubhouse culture continues to evolve under McCullough’s leadership.
And while the front office works on building a contender on the field, the team is also reconnecting with its roots off it. After weeks of hints and anticipation, the Marlins officially unveiled their iconic teal uniforms, a nod to the franchise’s early days. The throwback look will be featured during Sunday home games at loanDepot Park, and for longtime fans, it’s more than just a jersey-it’s a bridge between eras.
“We know this. We’re the Miami Marlins.
This is our brand,” said chief brand officer Alex Parker. “We’re excited, proud and couldn’t be more excited for the future.
But that teal definitely means a lot to people.”
It’s a symbolic move, yes-but also a strategic one. The Marlins are showing fans they haven’t forgotten the past, even as they try to build something new.
Whether this year’s squad can do more than just play spoiler in a stacked division remains to be seen. But with a retooled roster, a renewed identity, and a little teal swagger back in the mix, Miami is ready to take another swing at relevance.