Marlins Manager High on Eury Pérez's Future

Marlins skipper Clayton McCullough believes young pitcher Eury Pérez has Cy Young potential.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Miami Marlins are excited about the future of pitcher Eury Pérez, who is entering his third MLB season. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough believes Pérez has the talent to become a Cy Young-caliber pitcher and could break out in 2026 after an injury-shortened 2024 campaign. Pérez is under team control with the Marlins until 2030, giving the organization time to develop the young hurler.

Why it matters

The Marlins are looking to build around young talent like Pérez after trading away some veteran pitchers. If Pérez can live up to his potential, he could anchor the Marlins' rotation for years to come and help the team return to the playoffs.

The details

Pérez, 23, had a 4.25 ERA with 105 strikeouts in less than 100 innings pitched in 2025 after missing the 2024 season due to injury. McCullough believes Pérez's talent is "tantalizing" and that he has a chance to put himself in Cy Young contention in the coming years. Pérez's best pitch is his 97.9 mph fastball, which ranked in the 94th percentile last season.

  • Pérez is entering his third MLB season in 2026.
  • Pérez missed the entire 2024 season due to injury.
  • Pérez is under team control with the Marlins until 2030.

The players

Eury Pérez

A 23-year-old pitcher for the Miami Marlins who is seen as a future ace for the team.

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins who is high on Pérez's potential.

Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins' current ace pitcher who Pérez could eventually replace as the team's top starter.

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What they’re saying

“Eury Pérez, I believe, has the chance to really break out. It was great to get him on the mound for half a season last year, the talent is certainly tantalizing, and to have him for a full season, we believe this guy has a chance to put himself in Cy Young conversations in years to come.”

— Clayton McCullough, Manager, Miami Marlins (MLB Network)

What’s next

If Pérez can stay healthy and build on his 2025 performance, he could emerge as a top pitcher in the National League and help the Marlins return to the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Marlins are banking on the development of young pitching talent like Eury Pérez to lead the team back to contention. If Pérez can live up to his potential, he could anchor the Marlins' rotation for years to come and become one of the best young pitchers in baseball.