Marlins Pitching Staff Aims to Compete With Healthy Rotation

Despite offseason losses, Miami believes its pitching depth can lead to playoff success.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Miami Marlins believe their pitching staff, led by ace Sandy Alcantara, can be the backbone of the team's success this season. Despite losing starters Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers in the offseason, the Marlins have a deep rotation with the return of Braxton Garrett and Max Meyer from injury, as well as top prospects Thomas White and Robby Snelling pushing for roster spots. Manager Clayton McCullough is confident the team's pitching and defense will be key to making the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Marlins' pitching staff is crucial to the team's playoff aspirations, as they look to build on their 2025 season and avoid falling short of the postseason. With the loss of two quality starters, the Marlins need their ace Alcantara to regain his form, and for the rest of the rotation to step up and provide stability.

The details

The Marlins' pitching staff is headlined by right-hander Sandy Alcantara, who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season following Tommy John surgery. Braxton Garrett and Max Meyer are also returning from injury, while the team added Chris Paddack and has top prospects Thomas White and Robby Snelling pushing for roster spots. Manager Clayton McCullough believes the team's pitching and defense will be the keys to success this season.

  • The Marlins' pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on February 11, 2026.
  • Braxton Garrett faced hitters in live batting practice on the first day of camp.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins' ace right-hander, entering his eighth season with the organization after an offseason of trade rumors.

Braxton Garrett

A left-handed pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery, competing for a spot in the Marlins' rotation.

Max Meyer

A right-handed pitcher whose 2025 season ended prematurely due to left hip surgery, throwing a pitch design session on the first day of camp.

Thomas White

A top-100 prospect and left-handed pitcher, attending camp as a non-roster invitee.

Robby Snelling

A top-100 prospect and left-handed pitcher, attending camp as a non-roster invitee.

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What they’re saying

“Our pitchers and our ability to pitch at a very high level is going to be the backbone of our teams, and it will be the backbone of our success this year and moving forward, and much of our playoff aspirations and hopes year after year will come down to your ability to pitch.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (mlb.com)

“I'm super excited to be back this year. More strong, and more healthy, and more competitive than last year. Last year, my mind was blocked, because I was thinking too much about media, doing great on the field, so I was doing bad and everything. But this year is completely different. I had Tommy John two years ago, so now I feel like I'm a brand new man. Don't think too much about what happened last year. Just come here this year and do my best.”

— Sandy Alcantara (mlb.com)

“We're a really talented group. Obviously Sandy, Eury, Max [Meyer], we got the two lefties who were in Triple-A last year [in] Snelling, Thomas White. Really talented guys. It's not a bad thing that we have some depth, that's for sure. Excited to work with those guys and compete with them.”

— Braxton Garrett, Marlins Pitcher (mlb.com)

“As long as you're healthy, you can all compete, and that's what we're asking -- God to keep everybody healthy so we can compete this season. I think our group can compete against any other group around the league.”

— Eury Pérez, Marlins Pitcher (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Marlins will continue their spring training preparations, with the entire pitching staff except for right-handed reliever Calvin Faucher reporting to camp. The team will need to determine the final rotation and bullpen spots as they gear up for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Marlins' pitching depth and talent could be the key to their playoff aspirations this season, as they look to bounce back from the loss of two quality starters in the offseason. If the team's aces and returning injured players can stay healthy, the Marlins believe they have a rotation that can compete with any other in the league.