Marlins Focused on Winning Their Way, Undeterred by Big Spenders

Miami's front office says the team is committed to building a sustainable winner through player development and infrastructure investments.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Miami Marlins are taking a different approach to building a winning team compared to the big-spending clubs around MLB. Rather than competing in a bidding war for top free agents, the Marlins are prioritizing player development, infrastructure investments, and a focus on in-house improvement. Team president Peter Bendix says the Marlins are "trying to beat" the competition, not worry about what other teams are doing. Despite a low projected payroll, the Marlins believe their strategy can lead to sustained success and playoff contention.

Why it matters

The Marlins' approach represents a divergence from the free-spending ways of many top MLB teams. Their commitment to building from within and investing in infrastructure over big-name signings could serve as a model for small-market clubs looking to compete without matching the payrolls of baseball's financial juggernauts.

The details

The Marlins spent just $20.5 million on four free agent signings this offseason, far less than the $250+ million projected payrolls of teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees. Instead, the team has focused on revamping its spring training and minor-league complex, adding technology, and experimenting with innovative player development methods. The Marlins believe this approach, combined with internal improvement from young players, can lead to sustainable success.

  • The Marlins finished the 2025 season 79-83, winning 54 of their final 96 games after falling 16 games under .500 in June.
  • The Marlins' renovated spring training and minor-league complex in Jupiter was unveiled at the start of 2026 spring training.

The players

Peter Bendix

The Marlins' president of baseball operations, who says the team is focused on winning its own way rather than worrying about what other teams are doing.

Bruce Sherman

The Marlins' owner, who says the team's goal is simply to "win" without specifying a timeline.

Connor Norby

A Marlins infielder who is expected to have a breakout season after dealing with injuries in 2025.

Clayton McCullough

The Marlins' second-year manager, who is focused on taking things one day at a time rather than looking too far ahead.

Kyle Stowers

A Marlins outfielder who became an All-Star in 2025 before missing the final six weeks with an injury.

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What they’re saying

“We don't care what other teams are doing. We're trying to beat them. That's what it comes down to.”

— Peter Bendix, President of Baseball Operations (Miami Herald)

“We want to win. W. I. N. Period.”

— Bruce Sherman (Miami Herald)

“We did it last year, right? And we're only going to be better this year. ... We're looking to take that next step and looking to compete.”

— Connor Norby, Infielder (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The Marlins open their 2026 season on March 27 against the Colorado Rockies, with the team hoping to build on its strong finish to the 2025 campaign.

The takeaway

The Marlins' unconventional approach of prioritizing player development and infrastructure over big-name free agent signings represents a potential model for small-market teams looking to compete without matching the payrolls of baseball's financial powerhouses. If their strategy pays off with sustained success, it could influence how other clubs approach building winning rosters.