2026 MLB First-Half Recap: Miami Marlins

The Pitching

The Good

Six years ago, the Marlins drafted Max Meyer with the idea that the former Golden Gophers ace would morph into a legitimate high-end starting pitcher. After numerous injuries, including elbow surgery, Meyer has now turned into that star.

Meyer’s been the ace of the Miami pitching staff this season. Over his first 108 innings, Meyer struck out 116 batters and posted a sensational 2.58 ERA. Armed with a hard fastball and two premium breaking balls, Meyer has overwhelmed opposing hitters all year. And, he’s not the only young buck in that rotation.

Eury Perez, much like Meyer, dealt with his own injury issues over the years. But in 2026, Perez has flashed the premium velocity seen during his early years in the Majors. The right-hander struck out 95 over 85.2 IP this season, and over the last month, there’s a significant argument to be made that Perez was better than Meyer. Opposing batters hit just .169 off him in that span before the break.

The Marlins have also had Sandy Alcantara largely healthy this season, although much like last year, it’s been a delicate dance with him. He entered the break on a high, as he allowed just one home run over his last 33.1 IP. But with Alcantara, it’s always been a matter of how many outs he can get given his groundball-heavy ways.

Additionally, the Marlins have found success with the likes of Tyler Zuber, Michael Petersen, John King, and MiLB swing-and-miss machine William Kempner in the bullpen.

However, what’s been the most pleasant surprise this year has been the Marlins’ offense, led by some players who are not exactly household names.

Otto Lopez was once a notable prospect in the Blue Jays’ system. Now, Lopez is a 2026 All-Star after what was an unbelievable strong first half. The Canadian slashed .334/.368/.505 (.873 OPS) with nine home runs, 41 extra-base hits, and 127 hits. No player in baseball has raised his OPS, compared to 2025, than Lopez this season.

This Marlins team is one that relies heavily on making contact. Xavier Edwards and Liam Hicks, both of whom are also having big years, are among the best in the league in that regard. And both weren’t homegrown players, either. Hicks was a former Rule 5 pick who is now an everyday player and also the current co-home run leader for Miami.

Hicks, alongside Heriberto Hernandez, Owen Caissie, and Kyle Stowers, all are in double-digits in home runs.

The Bad

Jakob Marsee is still doing his job, even though it’s been a down year overall for the second-year outfielder.

Marsee came out of the gate running last summer after a great 2025 campaign in Triple-A. But in 2026, Marsee is only hitting .197/.319/.295 this season. Now, he is still productive, as Marsee is tied with Xavier Edwards for the most walks (50) on the team. Plus, 19 stolen bases, second-most for the club behind Esteury Ruiz. But still, you’d like to see more.

Another player who had a down sophomore year was Agustin Ramirez, who hit 21 home runs last season with the Fish. He slashed .230/.318/.345 with two home runs and eight extra-base hits over the first month of the year. Ultimately, he was sent down to Triple-A and may very well be out of the catching plans for the Marlins.

His defensive work behind the plate was tepid, at best, last season. But with a better backstop in Joe Mack now in the Majors, the bat will need to get Ramirez back to the Majors permanently.

As for the pitching staff, it’s been a rough one for closer Pete Fairbanks. When the 32-year-old hits his spots, Fairbanks is still highly effective. Fairbanks still ranks among baseball’s best in terms of chase and swing-and-miss. However, he allowed seven home runs over his first 29 innings.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 campaign has been a smashing success thus far for the Marlins. One year after Miami exceeded expectations, the Fish are now in the midst of a playoff race — and would be in the final NL Wild Card spot should the season end today.

It’s never been in the Marlins’ identity to take on significant salary. Meaning, any moves made over the next few weeks will likely be depth moves designed to reward a rising team.

But right now, it’s hard to complain about the state of the Marlins.