The Miami Marlins are an intriguing case study in Major League Baseball, highlighting the challenges and strategies of operating with a lean budget. Last season, the Marlins managed to win 79 games despite having the league's lowest payroll at $67.2 million.
This year, they’re starting with a payroll of $72.8 million, still at the bottom of the league. Remarkably, $30.3 million of that is tied up in just two players: Sandy Alcantara and Pete Fairbanks.
It's a testament to their financial strategy, or perhaps necessity, that only six players on the roster are earning over a million dollars in 2026.
The Lineup
Shortstop Otto Lopez was a workhorse last season, leading the team by playing in 139 games. Meanwhile, second baseman Xavier Edwards had the most at-bats.
The standout offensive player is outfielder Kyle Stowers, who joined from the Orioles in 2024. He led the Marlins with 25 home runs and a .912 OPS in his first full season.
Alongside Stowers, catcher Agustin Ramirez also surpassed the 20-home run mark, though no player reached 80 runs or RBIs, indicating room for growth in offensive production.
The Marlins made a notable offseason move by signing Christopher Morel to a one-year, $2 million deal. Morel, now with his third team, brings potential power to the lineup. He had a breakout season in 2023 with the Cubs, hitting 26 home runs, and aims to replicate that success in Miami.
The Rotation
The Marlins’ rotation is anchored by their ace, who is expected to bounce back after Tommy John surgery in 2024. Despite making 31 starts last year, he finished with an 11-12 record and a 5.36 ERA, numbers that suggest he wasn’t at full strength.
Eury Perez, Janson Junk, and Max Meyer are returning to the rotation, providing some continuity. However, the team faces a challenge after losing key starters like Ryan Weathers, Cal Quantrill, and Edward Cabrera.
Closer Pete Fairbanks, acquired for $13 million, represents a significant chunk of the payroll. His presence should stabilize the bullpen, a crucial need given that nine different pitchers recorded saves last season. Fairbanks is expected to solidify the closer role, allowing Calvin Faucher and Ronny Henriquez to focus on late-inning situations.
As the season unfolds, the Marlins will likely explore trade options for Alcantara and Fairbanks, especially if they can’t keep pace in the standings. Their strategy of maximizing talent within financial constraints will be tested, but with key players like Stowers and Morel, there's potential for exciting baseball in Miami.