The Miami Marlins have been one of the more pleasant surprises in Major League Baseball this season.
Although the Marlins were expected to finish at the bottom of the NL East, they managed to stay in the playoff hunt until the final few days of the season. Overall, their 79-83 record represented a 17-game improvement over their 2024 performance.
The future looks bright in Miami. The Marlins’ young lineup showed its potential and continued to develop throughout the season. Likewise, the decision to keep players like Sandy Alcantara at the trade deadline sets the Marlins up well for 2026.
Miami has quietly built a team that could compete for a playoff berth next year. Let’s take a look at three questions about the Marlins heading into the offseason.
Three questions for the Miami Marlins this offseason
1. Is Sandy Alcantara back and ready to perform at an All-Star level?
Alcantara struggled in his first year after Tommy John surgery. He posted a career-worst 5.36 ERA and a 1.271 WHiP over 174.1 innings, striking out 142 batters with 57 walks. However, Alcantara also made 31 starts for the Marlins, which gives hope that he can become a workhorse again in Miami.
There may be even more reason for optimism. Alcantara yes an excellent second halfwith a 3.33 ERA and a 1.040 WHiP in 83.2 innings after the All-Star Break, striking out 71 batters with 20 walks. If Alcantara can build on his strong second half, he can be the asset the Marlins need again.
2. What to do with Agustin Ramirez
Ramirez was one of the most valuable hitters in the Marlins lineup, posting a solid .231/.287/.413 batting line with 21 home runs and 33 doubles in 585 plate appearances, while leading Major League catchers with 16 thefts. The problem is that Ramirez also has the Marlins’ worst defensive player.
The Marlins also still have a chance to reach the Majors. Joe Mack, the 70th best prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, has been praised due to his strong arm and solid defensive skills, while also showing he can be a reliable option at the plate. The Marlins have a potential opening at first base where Eric Wagaman doesn’t have the kind of offensive profile for the position. However, Ramirez initially only has 27 games of experience over three years in the minors. If Mack is ready, Ramirez could be limited to DH duty.
3. Will the Marlins spend money on their young roster?
The Marlins have a total five players who have a contract or are eligible for arbitration. In theory, this gives the front office the financial resources to pursue extensions with youngsters like outfielder Kyle Stowers or pitcher Eury Perez. That financial flexibility could also allow the Marlins to be surprisingly active during free agency.
The Marlins need to improve at both the corners and right field if the lineup wants to take a significant step forward. A reliable starter in the middle of the rotation would help balance out a young and somewhat volatile staff. The Marlins also need help in the middle of the bullpen to bridge the gap to closer Ronny Henriquez. While some of these areas can improve as the younger players develop, the Marlins will have to go shopping to take that next step in 2026.
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