Marlins Sign Pitcher Chris Paddack to $4 Million Deal

Miami adds veteran starter to bolster rotation after offseason trades

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Miami Marlins have signed free agent pitcher Chris Paddack to a $4 million contract with an additional $500,000 available in incentives. Paddack, who split time between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers last season, will look to compete for the fifth spot in the Marlins' starting rotation behind aces Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Max Meyer, and Braxton Garrett.

Why it matters

The Marlins made several roster moves this offseason, including trading away pitchers Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, leaving them in need of additional starting pitching depth. Paddack's signing helps address that need as the team looks to improve on last season and compete at a higher level.

The details

Paddack, 27, posted a 4.95 ERA across 21 starts with the Twins in 2022 before being traded to the Tigers, where he had a 6.32 ERA in 12 games. The Marlins are hoping a change of scenery and a new pitching coach can help Paddack regain the form that made him a promising young starter earlier in his career with the San Diego Padres.

  • Paddack signed his $4 million free agent contract with the Marlins on February 9, 2026.

The players

Chris Paddack

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent time with the San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers over his MLB career.

Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins' ace starting pitcher who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, though the team has indicated they plan to keep him for the 2023 season.

Eury Perez

One of the Marlins' top pitching prospects who is expected to join the major league rotation in 2023.

Max Meyer

Another highly touted Marlins pitching prospect who made his MLB debut in 2022 and will compete for a rotation spot.

Braxton Garrett

A young left-handed starter who has been a regular in the Marlins' rotation over the past two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know that, in Spring Training, they would even entertain this, because they do plan on competing at a higher level this season.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider (The Athletic)

What’s next

Paddack will report to Marlins spring training camp in the coming weeks to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. The Marlins' plans for ace Sandy Alcantara will also be closely watched as the team looks to build on last season's performance.

The takeaway

The Marlins' signing of Chris Paddack demonstrates their commitment to improving their pitching staff and competing for a playoff spot in 2023 after several offseason roster moves. Paddack will look to bounce back with a new team, while the Marlins hope he can provide valuable innings and stabilize the back end of their rotation.