In Griffin Conine, Marlins are getting one of their best all-around players back

[Kevin Barral]

The last time Miami Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine played in a major league game was on April 19 against the Philadelphia Phillies. More than five months later, he will be making his return to the Marlins lineup at Citizens Bank Park, the same place where he suffered the shoulder injury that cost him most of the 2025 season. Conine was reinstated from the 60-day injured list on Monday, heading into a three-game series against the Phillies. In his absence, Miami has shockingly played well enough to stay mathematically alive in the race for the third NL Wild Card spot.

Conine, who has been in the Marlins organization since 2020, made a slow climb up the minor league ladder. Being the son of a franchise legend did him no favors as the left-handed power hitter didn't make his MLB debut until August of 2024 when he was already 27 years old.

His offensive production since then has come as a pleasant surprise. In 50 total games, Mr. Marlin Jr. has slashed .274/.338/.445/.783 with four home runs and 19 RBI. His 117 wRC+ over the last two seasons combined ranks third among all Marlins players with at least 100 plate appearances, trailing only Jakob Marsee and Kyle Stowers.

For what it's worth, Conine crushed the ball during his just-completed rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville. In nine games, he slashed .292/.514/.583/1.098 with two home runs and nine RBI, walking more times (11) than he struck out (9).

Along with strong offensive contributions, Conine provides good defense in the corner outfield spots. He ranked in the 96th percentile in arm strength among MLB outfielders last season, per Baseball Savant. His home run robbery during the opening series of the season still stands out as arguably the catch of the year for the Marlins.

In a small sample of 327 innings, Conine's defense has been valued at four defensive runs saved and minus-one outs above average.

Trailing both the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets by four games with only six games left to play, there is a 99.9% chance that the Marlins' season ends this week without a Wild Card berth. Regardless, Conine is in agreement with Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League to get more game reps during the offseason, making up for the time that his shoulder injury took away from him in preparation for 2026.

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[Hans Herrera]

Cannot help comparing him to Troy Johnston. Their stats are extremely similar, and while Conine is a better defender in the OF with a much better arm, Johnston can play solid 1B.

They are even almost the same age (19 days apart)!

Next year's roster battles are going to be very interesting.

[1993 fan from start]

Griffin doubles was not talked about.  How he lead team before injury.

[Ely Sussman]

9 hours ago, Hans Herrera said:

Cannot help comparing him to Troy Johnston. Their stats are extremely similar, and while Conine is a better defender in the OF with a much better arm, Johnston can play solid 1B.

They are even almost the same age (19 days apart)!

Next year's roster battles are going to be very interesting.

I believe the organization values Conine much more highly. Similar offensive results so far, but Conine's "style of play" is more appealing to this front office because he hits the ball with elite exit velocities. 

Johnston has performed well enough to create real trade value. At some point in the offseason, I think they move him for a non-40-man prospect.

[Shawn]

I hope they do trade Troy, so the kid can get a real chance. Every game it’s how fast can we get him out of the lineup. Why they hate him so much and love the bump wagamen is beyond me and I’m done trying to figure it out. Still think Gus should be moved to first but at the same time hermberto  Hernandez should get some looks there as well don’t play good defense in the outfield. Stowers and Marsee hit lefties good enough keep Myers to platoon with griff against lefties. 

[One Regend]

I agree with trading Troy Johnston. Joe Mack is on his way here, and he will man the Catcher spot, which leaves Gus without a position to play in 2026, forcing him to be playing 1B, and DH whenever he's not fielding. There will be a logjam at 1B if Troy Johnston is still on the roster, and there's no room for him in the outfield, and his talent will be wasted if placed on the bench and used as a pinch-hitter(runner)/"defensive replacement".