Marlins FanFest Delivers Big Crowds, Big Moments, and a Nod to the Past
The Miami Marlins rolled out the teal carpet on Saturday, hosting one of the most memorable FanFests in franchise history. With 20,737 fans pouring into loanDepot park-the largest crowd the event has ever seen-the energy was unmistakable. From Q&A sessions with players and team leadership to a surprise uniform reveal and Hall of Fame announcements, this year’s FanFest wasn’t just a celebration of baseball-it was a statement about where the Marlins are headed.
Player Panels Bring Insight and Ambition
The main stage was buzzing from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with players taking turns in small groups to speak with fans. Marlins Radio voice Jack McMullen kicked things off with pitchers Braxton Garrett, Max Meyer, and Pete Fairbanks, joined by outfielder Jakob Marsee. The tone was light, but the conversations were meaningful-fans got a glimpse into the mindset of a team looking to turn a corner.
Later, Spanish-language broadcasters Yiky Quintana and José Luis Nápoles hosted a panel featuring Agustín Ramírez, Eury Pérez, Sandy Alcantara, and Otto Lopez. Ramírez didn’t hold back, setting bold goals for himself: 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.
That’s no small feat in any era, let alone in today’s game. The last time a Marlins hitter hit both marks in the same season?
Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna back in 2017-Stanton won NL MVP, and Ozuna made the All-Star team. Only a dozen players in franchise history have ever reached that milestone.
Ramírez, who hit 21 homers and drove in 67 runs last season while slashing .231/.287/.413 with a 91 wRC+ over 136 games, knows he has work to do. But he made it clear-he’s not just chasing numbers.
He’s determined to prove he can stick behind the plate long-term. That kind of drive, especially from a young player, is exactly what this franchise needs as it builds toward the future.
Front Office Faces the Fans
At 6:30 p.m., the attention shifted to the “State of the Marlins” session, where President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix and new manager Clayton McCullough fielded questions from Marlins.TV’s Kyle Sielaff-and from a fanbase that had plenty to say.
One of the first questions hit on a topic that’s been a sore spot for years: spending. Why don’t the Marlins invest more in payroll or bring in more veteran leadership?
Bendix didn’t dodge. He pointed to investments being made across the organization, including upgrades to the Jupiter Academy.
And when it came to veteran presence, he highlighted the addition of Pete Fairbanks-at 32, the oldest player on the roster.
“Pete Fairbanks is here partly for that reason,” Bendix said. “I know what he brings on the mound and in the clubhouse. I think he’s going to be really, really good for our group.”
McCullough, meanwhile, addressed bullpen usage-a common point of frustration for fans and media alike. One fan asked if sometimes the team prioritizes development over winning. McCullough acknowledged the balance, saying he’d love to lean on the same arms in tight games but knows that over a full season, everyone has to contribute.
“When we get into a good stretch and we’re playing close games every day, I’d love to pitch the same guys all the time,” he said. “But in reality, you just can’t do that.”
He also emphasized a more modern approach to bullpen management-being willing to use top relievers earlier in games if the moment calls for it. “Sometimes you’ve got to go win the moment,” McCullough said. That’s the kind of mindset that can change outcomes in a hurry.
Who’s on First? Still to Be Determined
One fan lightened the mood by rattling off infielders before asking, “Who’s on first?” Bendix gave a knowing smile and passed the mic to McCullough, who explained that the position is still wide open.
Competition will be fierce in camp, with the team emphasizing positional flexibility. Christopher Morel and Griffin Conine are among those being considered-even though neither has experience at first base.
That kind of experimentation isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about building a roster that can adapt, adjust, and weather the grind of a 162-game season.
Extensions on the Horizon?
Perhaps the most buzzworthy moment came at the end of the session, when a fan asked about contract extensions. It’s been nearly four years since the Marlins last handed one out-Richard Bleier in March 2022. But Bendix hinted that change could be coming.
“We want to keep our best players for as long as possible,” he said, adding that the team has a core of young talent-players aged 23 to 25-that they expect to be around for a while.
That’s as transparent as Bendix has been publicly since taking over baseball operations. And the crowd let him know they appreciated it, erupting in applause as he and McCullough exited the stage.
Legends Return (Sort Of)
The Marlins also announced the next inductees into their Legends Hall of Fame: Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis. Both were key pieces of the 2003 World Series team, and their inclusion feels long overdue. While neither was in attendance at FanFest, the team revealed that Beckett will be honored on September 6 and Willis on September 13.
That 2003 squad remains one of the most beloved in franchise history, and bringing back two of its biggest stars is a welcome nod to the past as the organization looks to the future.
Teal Makes Its Triumphant Return
After months of anticipation, the Marlins confirmed what many fans had hoped: the teal is back. The team will wear throwback teal uniforms and Florida Marlins caps for every Sunday home game this season. The blue alternates that had been the Sunday staple are moving to spring training duty.
It’s more than just a fashion statement. It’s a connection to the franchise’s roots-and a reminder of the identity that first captured South Florida’s baseball heart.
What’s Next
The countdown to spring training is officially on. Marlins pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter, Florida, this Wednesday, with the full squad arriving by February 16.
The first spring training game is scheduled for February 21 at 1:10 p.m. in Port St. Lucie against the Mets.
If FanFest was any indication, this is a team-and a fanbase-ready to turn the page. There are still questions to answer and positions to sort out, but the energy is real, the teal is back, and the Marlins are looking to make some noise in 2026.