Marlins Ace Sandy Alcántara Set for 6th Opening Day Start

Marlins manager confirms Alcántara will make franchise-record 6th opening day start.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara has been named the starting pitcher for the team's opening day game, marking his franchise-record 6th consecutive opening day start. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said the decision was a straightforward one coming into spring training.

Why it matters

Alcántara has emerged as the Marlins' ace and one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball over the past several seasons. His record-setting 6th opening day start cements his status as the team's undisputed leader on the mound and a key part of their plans for the upcoming season.

The details

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough confirmed that Alcántara will make his franchise-record 6th consecutive opening day start for the team. McCullough described the decision as a "straightforward" one coming into spring training, underscoring Alcántara's importance to the Marlins' pitching staff.

  • Alcántara will make his 6th opening day start for the Marlins in 2026.

The players

Sandy Alcántara

The Marlins' ace pitcher who has been tabbed to make a franchise-record 6th consecutive opening day start for the team.

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins who confirmed Alcántara will make the opening day start.

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What they’re saying

“Going in, it was probably one of the more straightforward decisions I'd have been coming into camp,”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (wn.com)

The takeaway

Alcántara's 6th consecutive opening day start for the Marlins solidifies his status as the team's ace and one of the top pitchers in baseball. His reliability and dominance on the mound will be crucial to the Marlins' hopes of success in the upcoming season.