Marlins Gear Up for 2026 Season

Young squad looks to build on surprise 2025 campaign

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:52pm

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The Miami Marlins are excited to kick off their 2026 MLB season, looking to build on their surprising 2025 performance under manager Clayton McCullough. Despite injuries to key pitchers like Braxton Garrett and Max Meyer, the team is healthy heading into spring training and ready to compete for a playoff spot in the NL East.

Why it matters

The Marlins were one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 season, exceeding expectations and nearly making the playoffs. Their young core, led by players like Griffin Conine and Connor Norby, has the team optimistic about their chances of returning to the postseason in 2026.

The details

The Marlins will be without reliever Ronny Henriquez for the 2026 season, but otherwise their pitching staff is healthy, including the return of Garrett and Meyer. Sandy Alcantara will get the Opening Day start for the sixth time. The team is still determining their first base situation, with Conine, Norby, and newly signed Christopher Morel all competing for the job.

  • The Marlins will play their first Grapefruit League game on Saturday, February 20, 2026 against the New York Mets.
  • Opening Day for the Marlins is set for March 27, 2026.

The players

Clayton McCullough

The Marlins' manager, entering his second season at the helm.

Braxton Garrett

Marlins left-handed pitcher who missed the entire 2025 season due to elbow surgery.

Max Meyer

Marlins right-handed pitcher who missed much of the 2025 season due to a labral tear in his left hip.

Sandy Alcantara

Marlins right-handed pitcher who will make his sixth consecutive Opening Day start.

Griffin Conine

Marlins first baseman and son of Marlins great Jeff Conine.

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What they’re saying

“If all goes well over the next month, both Garrett and Meyer could find themselves in the five-man starting rotation alongside Alcantara, Eury Pérez and Chris Paddack.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (local10.com)

“Conine has been taking reps at first base as he works to add versatility to his game.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (local10.com)

What’s next

The Marlins will play their first Grapefruit League game on Saturday, February 20, 2026 against the New York Mets.

The takeaway

The Marlins' young core is poised to build on their surprise 2025 season and compete for a playoff spot in the NL East, with a healthy pitching staff and versatile position players like Griffin Conine leading the way.