Henriquez to miss entire '26 season after elbow surgery

Marlins late-inning reliever Ronny Henriquez recently underwent right elbow UCL reconstruction surgery with an associated internal brace (hybrid) and will miss the 2026 season.

Henriquez, who had begun his throwing preparation for the upcoming season, experienced tightness and discomfort in his elbow. Upon evaluation and consultation, Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery in Arlington.

This is a big blow to the Marlins' bullpen after Henriquez broke out in 2025.

When the Marlins claimed Henriquez off waivers from the Twins ahead of Spring Training, he had just 19 big league appearances on his résumé. The 25-year-old would go on to post a 199 ERA+ with 26 holds and seven saves in a team-high 69 outings. His 98 strikeouts were tied with then-Mets closer Edwin Díaz for second most among National League relievers last year.

According to Statcast, Henriquez was elite in the following categories: breaking run value (98th percentile, 14), xBA (98th percentile, .184), chase percentage (98th percentile, 35.3%), whiff percentage (97th percentile, 36%) and K% (94th percentile, 32.3%).

Miami must now figure out how to replace Henriquez in a bullpen that finished 22nd in ERA (4.28) and 25th in K/9 (8.21). While the Marlins focused on pockets and matchups rather than a designated closer in 2025, manager Clayton McCullough sent Henriquez to the mound to face the opposing lineup's toughest hitters late in games toward the back half of the season.

The Marlins had already been pursuing high-leverage relievers on the free-agent market, but they have yet to sign one this offseason. There are still pitchers out there, including former Ray Pete Fairbanks. Internally, righties Anthony Bender, Calvin Faucher and Tyler Phillips, all of whom were part of the late-inning mix in 2025, return.