The club’s longest win streak since 2008. A franchise record for consecutive road victories. Third place in the National League East.
The Marlins (44-51) defied external expectations during the season’s first half thanks to a 19-10 stretch from June 13 up until the All-Star break, which marked the third-best winning percentage in the Majors during that span.
“A really outstanding way to finish,” manager Clayton McCullough said following the first-half finale in Baltimore on Sunday. “We feel like we’ve been on a good run here, and nice for us to get into the break with a really good feeling.”
With the second half beginning on Friday, what could we see the rest of the way from Miami?
One second-half goal: See signs of the future
More than Miami's final record, what's most important in 2025 is for players to emerge as impactful pieces to build around. Catcher/designated hitter Agustín Ramírez and All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers did so in the first half, but the Marlins would like to see even more guys step up. Since the team is so young, most of the players will experience the grind of their first full MLB season.
Likely Trade Deadline strategy: Sellers
Miami finds itself in the unique situation of fielding an entire roster (outside of veteran righty Cal Quantrill) under club control past this season, so the organization doesn't need to make trades unless the returns strike its fancy. It would come as a surprise if the Marlins executed as many deals as last Deadline. Names that have been the subject of rumors include right-handers Edward Cabrera (who recently underwent an MRI), Sandy Alcantara and Anthony Bender, among others.
Key player: RHP Sandy Alcantara
No one could have predicted that Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, would have the highest ERA (7.22) among Major League pitchers with at least 90 innings thrown. Since returning from Tommy John surgery, the 29-year-old Alcantara hasn't looked like himself, from his spotty command to his varying pitch usages. Will the All-Star break help Alcantara regroup?
Prospect to watch: 1B/3B Deyvison De Los Santos (No. 11 prospect)
Last year's Minor League home run champion hasn't put up the same power numbers this season, but he has shown marginal improvement in his strikeout and walk rates as well as an increase in his hard-hit percentage. The Marlins would certainly welcome the addition of the 22-year-old De Los Santos' pop in the lineup. He could see time at either corner-infield spot or at designated hitter.
There are plenty of other storylines to follow in the season’s second half -- from righty Eury Pérez’s continued progression back from Tommy John surgery to Ramírez’s consideration for NL Rookie of the Year.
Here are some notable factoids about the Marlins’ slate following the All-Star break:
Games remaining: 67 (34 home; 33 away)
Remaining strength of schedule: .506, 13th in MLB, sixth in NL, third in NL East
Key series
- Aug. 1-3: The Marlins host the Yankees, who feature Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton
- Aug. 7-10: Miami’s three-city road trip begins with a five-game series in Atlanta
- Sept. 26-28: The regular season concludes with a home series against the Mets, who could be vying for the NL East crown