It’s never too early to consider how things might shape up over the next six weeks, so here’s my first attempt at predicting the Marlins’ 2026 Opening Day roster.
Catcher (2): Agustín Ramírez, Liam Hicks
Ramírez will be given a chance to show he has improved behind the dish before Miami considers moving on. Hicks would once again serve as the backup.
First baseman (1): Christopher Morel
The club’s position-player Major League signing this offseason has never appeared at the position before.
Second baseman (1): Xavier Edwards
Edwards, a 2025 NL Gold Glove Award nominee, will be expected to start nearly every game.
Shortstop (1): Otto Lopez
Lopez, who became one of the game’s top defensive shortstops, is in the same boat as Edwards.
Third baseman (2): Connor Norby, Graham Pauley
One of camp’s biggest competitions could turn out to be a platoon between the right-handed-hitting Norby and the left-handed-hitting Pauley.
Outfielders (3): Kyle Stowers, Jakob Marsee, Owen Caissie
Stowers became a first-time All-Star and a NL Gold Glove Award nominee last season, while Marsee impressed so much in his first taste of the big leagues that he received NL Rookie of the Year votes despite playing just 55 games. Right field is the spot up for grabs. Newcomer Caissie, the centerpiece of the Edward Cabrera trade, doesn’t have much left to prove at Triple-A after making his MLB debut in August 2025. He could be the frontrunner.
Designated Hitter (1): Griffin Conine
Conine, who will also see reps at first base this spring, got off to a strong start in 2025 (.790 OPS in 20 games) before undergoing what should’ve been season-ending left shoulder surgery. Instead, he returned in late September and played winter ball in the Dominican Republic. The DH role will be used to give starters a breather from the field or to maximize matchups based on the opposing pitcher’s arm side.
Bench/Utility (2): Javier Sanoja, Heriberto Hernández
Sanoja is the 2025 NL Gold Glove Award-winning utility player who appeared at every position except right field and catcher. Like Marsee, corner outfielder Hernández received down-ballot NL Rookie of the Year votes after posting a .784 OPS in 87 games. Esteury Ruiz, whom the Marlins acquired from the Dodgers, can play all three outfield positions, but has one Minor League option remaining. Since he has struggled to find success at the MLB level, and Sanoja can serve as Marsee’s backup in center, Hernández gets the nod.
Starting Pitchers (5): Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett, Chris Paddack
Barring injuries, Alcantara and Pérez are locks for the rotation. Then there’s a bunch of question marks following the trades of Cabrera and Ryan Weathers. How will Meyer and Garrett perform this spring in their return from hip and Tommy John surgery, respectively? Paddack reportedly agreed to a one-year deal ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting, much like Cal Quantrill did a year ago. Should Paddack win the final rotation spot, that would push other rotation candidates such as righties Janson Junk, Bradley Blalock, Adam Mazur and Ryan Gusto to either Triple-A Jacksonville or a long-relief role.
Relief Pitchers (8): Pete Fairbanks, Anthony Bender, Calvin Faucher, Tyler Phillips, Lake Bachar, Cade Gibson, Michael Petersen, Janson Junk
Fairbanks, the club’s marquee signing, has 90 career saves. Bender, Faucher and Phillips return as capable setup men. Assuming Paddack makes the rotation, this would be a perfect fit for Junk in a swingman role (4.53 ERA as a starter vs. 2.78 as a reliever in 2025). Gibson proved to be Miami’s only reliable lefty during his rookie season (168 ERA+). Josh Simpson had his growing pains, while Andrew Nardi has yet to overcome his recurring back trouble. Petersen could make it over Josh White, who was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, and newcomer Garrett Acton.