Marlins Eyeing Rotation Bounce-Back, First Base Competition

Miami looking to Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett to solidify rotation, while mulling options at first base

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Miami Marlins are hosting their annual FanFest event as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. Key storylines include the health status of pitchers Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett, as well as an open competition at first base with several players in the mix.

Why it matters

The Marlins' rotation was a weakness in 2025, so the team is counting on bounce-back seasons from Meyer and Garrett to solidify the starting staff. The first base position is also up for grabs after the team traded away their primary starter from last year, creating an opportunity for new faces to claim the job.

The details

Meyer, the Marlins' 2020 first-round pick, is recovering well from left hip surgery and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. Meanwhile, Garrett, a 2016 first-rounder, is also healthy after missing the 2025 season due to an elbow procedure. Both pitchers will compete for rotation spots, with Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez locked in at the top. At first base, the Marlins have several internal options, including Christopher Morel, Griffin Conine, and Liam Hicks. Morel and Conine have limited experience at the position, while Hicks is the most seasoned of the group. Manager Clayton McCullough indicated there will be an open competition for the job in Spring Training.

  • Meyer underwent left hip surgery in June 2025.
  • Garrett had an internal brace procedure on his throwing elbow in January 2025.
  • The Marlins are hosting their annual FanFest event today.

The players

Max Meyer

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who was the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2020. He has thrown 127 2/3 innings over 25 starts in the majors with a 5.29 ERA.

Braxton Garrett

A 28-year-old left-handed pitcher who was the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2016. He has a 3.63 ERA with a 23.8% strikeout rate and 5.1% walk rate over 247 2/3 innings in the majors from 2022-23.

Christopher Morel

A utility player signed by the Marlins in December after being non-tendered by the Rays. He has bounced around multiple positions in the majors.

Griffin Conine

An outfielder who made his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2024 and has not played first base before.

Liam Hicks

A left-handed hitting first baseman who batted .247/.346/.346 with a 98 wRC+ for the Marlins in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Everything feels good, how it should feel.”

— Max Meyer (Fish On First)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Marlins are hoping that a healthy Meyer and Garrett can solidify their starting rotation, while the open competition at first base presents an opportunity for new faces to emerge and claim a key role on the team.