Updated Marlins Opening Day roster projection midway through spring training

[Nate Karzmer]

Which players are on pace to make the active roster when the Marlins host the Pirates later this month?

Through their first 10 games of the 2025 spring training slate, the Miami Marlins have checked plenty of boxes. Ace Sandy Alcantara returned to the mound for the first time since 2023 and their young talent has shined all over the diamond. There have also been several minor injuries and discouraging performances that make it easier to anticipate who'll be selected to be on rookie manager's Clayton McCullough initial 26-man roster. 

Since Ely Sussman gave us his projection on February 10, Miami has made the following moves:

• Cal Quantrill was signed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal
• Janson Junk was signed to a minor league contract
• Brett de Geus was claimed off of waivers from the Pirates, while Ronny Henriquez was claimed from the Twins

My updated projection is below as we inch closer to Opening Day.

 

Position Players

Default starting lineup: C Liam Hicks, 1B Matt Mervis, 2B Otto Lopez, 3B Connor Norby, SS Xavier Edwards, LF Griffin Conine, CF Dane Myers, RF Jesus Sanchez, DH Jonah Bride 

Bench: C Nick Fortes, OF Kyle Stowers, OF Derek Hill, INF Javier Sanoja 

Few players have made as good of an impression as Liam Hicks has this spring on defense. It's no longer a question of whether the Marlins will hold onto their Rule 5 selection into the regular season, but how large his role will be. Hicks has caught both of Alcantara's starts thus far, giving him the inside edge to be behind the plate when he returns to Miami.

In the outfield, multiple position battles demand attention. Griffin Conine and Kyle Stowers, two eerily similar players, appear to be going head to head for the job in left field, while Dane Myers and Derek Hill aim to roam center. If the season started tomorrow, I believe Conine and Myers would join Jesús Sánchez in starting roles, however there is plenty of time for Stowers and Hill to make up ground.

 

Pitchers

Starting rotation: RHP Sandy Alcantara, RHP Cal Quantrill, LHP Ryan Weathers, RHP Max Meyer, RHP Edward Cabrera 

Bullpen: RHP Calvin Faucher, RHP Jesús Tinoco, RHP Anthony Bender, RHP Declan Cronin, RHP Lake Bachar, RHP Ronny Henriquez, LHP Anthony Veneziano, LHP Josh Simpson 

As Ely predicted last month, the Marlins did indeed bring in a veteran starter in the form of Cal Quantrill. The righty is coming off an inconsistent 2024 in Colorado, though he is expected to get every possible opportunity to bounce back.

An impressive spring has removed any doubt about Max Meyer being included in the rotation as he demonstrates an improved fastball and new sweeper to complement his trademark slider. I have him overtaking Edward Cabrera on the depth chart. However, with Cabrera being out of minor league options, his roster spot is secure as well.

Woefully, that does leave Valente Bellozo on the outside looking in. The Marlins could utilize him as a multi-inning reliever in the majors or see more value in keeping him stretched out in Jacksonville as the next man up in case another starter gets hurt—I'm going with the latter scenario. New Marlin Ronny Henriquez, who is also out of options, projects to get a middle relief role.

Andrew Nardi (lower back inflammation) is playing catch and could potentially be ready for Opening Day, but there's no reason to rush the high-leverage lefty. Assuming the Marlins place him on the injured list initially, that'd create room for Veneziano and Simpson as the team's two southpaw relievers.

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[Slacker Mills]

I say no to Norby (I'd go with Acosta or Cerna at third) and Mervis (Troy Johnston platoon at first). No Stowers either.

I'd start Mazur over Quantril.

[Hans Herrera]

The fact that José Quintana signed for $5M makes me wonder if the Fish even reached out to him. An early call, I would rather Quintana than Quantrill (are they the only two starters with last name with Q?)

[Slacker Mills]

I would definitely take Quintana over Quantrill but I'd prefer neither. 

[BMK3]

I see Xavier Edwards leading off and a whole lot of guys who should be hitting 6th, 7th or 8th.

I could live with the pitching staff if Sandy stays (not likely) and if Luzardo were still here.

I don't want to see what good pitchers will do to Jesus Sanchez without any protection in the line-up. I fear they will eat him for lunch.

[Miami Italiano]

Who is projected to be the closer and blow the lead in the 9th?

[rurrusuno]

Liam Hicks in the starting lineup?? Meh. His defense may be good so far, but his bat has been quiet. For now, I still see him as Nick Fortes' backup. 

Besides that, the list seems pretty accurate. 

Cal Quintrill is a lock for the starting rotation, but I'm not sold on him based on that recent performance. He needs to improve his stuff next start.