Marlins Optimistic for Bounce-Back Season After Strong Finish

Miami Marlins players and manager express excitement for 2026 season during media day

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Miami Marlins held their annual media day, marking the unofficial start of the MLB season with spring training just around the corner. After ending last season strongly by winning 9 of their final 12 games, the Marlins are optimistic about their chances for a bounce-back year in 2026. The team has set three simple goals: stay healthy, trust the process, and continue to improve.

Why it matters

The Marlins are looking to build on the momentum from last season's strong finish and make a push for the playoffs in 2026. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the team believes they have the pieces in place to compete in the highly competitive National League.

The details

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough expressed the excitement and optimism within the team, noting that players put in a lot of great work over the offseason. Second baseman Connor Norby said the team is "fired up" after taking a step forward last year and is ready to take another. Ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara is confident the team will "win a lot of games" this season, with new additions that will be "great for the fans to see."

  • The Marlins' first spring training game will be against the Mets on Feb. 21, 2026.

The players

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins, who expressed excitement and optimism about the team's chances in the 2026 season.

Connor Norby

The Marlins' second baseman, who said the team is "fired up" after taking a step forward last year and is ready to take another.

Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins' ace pitcher, who is confident the team will "win a lot of games" this season and believes the new additions will be "great for the fans to see."

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What they’re saying

“For our team to finish very strong the end of last season, guys took that into the offseason and put in a lot of great work and this time of year is all about optimism.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (wsvn.com)

“Everyone in there is fired up as well. Coming off of last year, the heads we were able to turn and what we learned about ourselves and that step we took, it's time to take another.”

— Connor Norby, Marlins Second Baseman (wsvn.com)

“We got a couple pieces that I think is gonna be great for the fans to see those players playing out there. Everybody's hungry all the time. Take advantage of the opportunity from the pitching side, from the hitting side, coaching staff, everybody is great and happy to start the season because we know what we got, we know the players so you guys saw what we did last year, I think we're gonna do different this year and we're gonna win a lot of games.”

— Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Pitcher (wsvn.com)

What’s next

The Marlins will begin their spring training schedule on February 21, 2026 with a game against the New York Mets.

The takeaway

The Miami Marlins are entering the 2026 season with a renewed sense of optimism and confidence after a strong finish to the 2025 campaign. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the team believes they have the pieces in place to make a push for the playoffs and compete in the highly competitive National League.