5 potential impact free agents for Marlins to pursue if they miss out on big names

[Sean McCormack]

As the MLB offseason truly begins, rumors have circulated about the Miami Marlins showing interest in top-of-the-market relievers and other positions of need. Although I foresee them missing out on the big-time names such as Devin Williams, Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor, there will still be opportunities to piece together solid solutions with low-risk, short-term deals. In this article, I will briefly describe five free agents who I believe make sense for the Marlins.

 

RHP Brad Keller

• Projected contract: 2 YR/$15M

The most expensive potential addition that I have in this free agent group is Brad Keller. In 2025, he had a breakout season with the Cubs after moving into a bullpen role. Keller posted a 2.07 ERA and 2.93 FIP. Doing what he historically has done, Keller generated groundballs. The major difference-maker for the 30-year-old this season was an extreme fastball velocity increase from 93 mph to 97 mph—that coincided with a jump in spin rate on all his pitches. Carrying those pitch characteristics into 2026 should yield similar results.

 

RHP Michael Kopech

• Projected contract: 1 YR/$1M
  • $250k incentive for reaching 50 innings pitched 

Kopech has suffered a plethora of injuries since his debut in 2018 with the White Sox. His 2025 season was impacted by health issues as well. The former first-round pick got off to a delayed start due to right knee surgery, and his knee flared up again in September, preventing him from contributing to their World Series run.

As always, Kopech showed an elite fastball, but struggled to find the zone, walking 24.5% of batters he faced in 2025. He would be a dart throw for the Marlins. If they luck into a healthy season from him and are able to get him to command his fastball and offspeed, the upside is tremendous for the right-handed flamethrower. 

 

LHP Ryan Yarbrough

• Projected contract:1 YR/$2M
  • $250k incentive for reaching 115 innings pitched 

Best known for being a "bulk guy" with the Tampa Bay Rays during his 20s, Yarbrough has had an under-the-radar past two seasons. He adds depth, a veteran presence, adaptability to be a starter or bulk reliever, and a funky look for hitters. He also limits walks.

Peter Bendix would have familiarity with Yarbrough dating back to his days in Tampa. The soft-throwing southpaw could play a meaningful role for the Marlins in 2026. 

 

INF Amed Rosario

• Projected contract: 1 YR/$5.2M

It may be curious to add to a seemingly packed infield for the Marlins, but I believe Amed Rosario could serve as valuable insurance behind Connor Norby and Graham Pauley in 2026, while being enough of an offensive threat to play DH vs. lefties.

Rosario in 2025 saw a 2 mph increase in his bat speed which led to a career-high hard-hit rate of 45%. Perhaps even more importantly, the soon-to-be 30-year-old infielder had the highest pulled-air rate of his career—up to 17.9% from a career norm of 10%. This is why Rosario had the highest slug (.436) and average exit velo (91.2 mph) of his career. Perhaps a mini breakout season is on the horizon for the journeyman infielder. 

 

C James McCann

• Projected contract: 1 YR/$1.5M
  • $150k incentive for 95 games played 

After what many thought was the finale of a solid MLB career in 2024, McCann was released by the Braves near the end of 2025 spring training and picked up by the Diamondbacks in June. McCann went on to put up 0.7 fWAR for the Diamondbacks and hit .260/.324/.431 with five home runs and a 110 wRC+ in 42 games.

McCann would add a veteran presence that Marlins catchers and pitchers haven't had since trading away Nick Fortes. There's only a clear fit for him if the Marlins have determined that it's time to move Agustín Ramírez to first base or DH. 

 

View full article

[Danny Bingo]

I applaud the idea of moving Agustin Ramirez to first base, and maybe bringing in a veteran like James McCann is a reasonable short-term solution, but why not give prospect Joe Mack a chance to work with Joe Singley and perhaps win the job? 

[Hippyboi]

Rosario would be a nice pickup, but I see him signing with a contender.

Kopech seemed to be coming around with the Dodgers and I would take a 1m flyer

7.5m for Keller - Not exactly in Marlins $weet spot.

 

[THOMAS JOSEPH]

I know the team isn't big on obtaining (expensive) relievers, but one of these guys looks to be in the wheelhouse. 

Are we thinking that the Marlins will move a starter for prospects? If so, there will be several other slots open for either internal or outside acquisition. My thought is that both Cabrera and Alcántara will be available at the trade deadline again if the team is underachieving, especially going into the lockout year.

I think the team will be quite circumspect, even more so than usual, with that looming. The big losses from 2020 are often overlooked, so preparing for a lost year and the associated revenue makes sense to me. 

[Robert Hanson]

No way the Marlins sign Rosario or McCann. Utility player & backup catcher aren’t positions of need for the Marlins.

   Yarbrough would be the most likely signing of those listed. IMO a first baseman & a quality left handed reliever are the biggest needs.

   The fact that Nardi & Josh Simpson are on the 40 man roster, as of now, is a little disturbing. Are the Marlins thinking they role with one of these guys on Opening Day, to go along with Cade Gibson, for L.H. reliever??

  Let’s hope not. 

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Danny Bingo said:

I applaud the idea of moving Agustin Ramirez to first base, and maybe bringing in a veteran like James McCann is a reasonable short-term solution, but why not give prospect Joe Mack a chance to work with Joe Singley and perhaps win the job? 

Agreed. But it makes too much sense, therefore don't expect these clowns to do it. Anyway, we have Wagaman at 1st base! As for Joe Mack, he is a pre-Bendix guy, so don't expect anything from him except being traded. Like Troy Johnston, Joe Mack's success does nothing to make Bendix look good; he was drafted and developed by other GMs. The only reason Griffin Conine got a shot was because the Marlins wanted to mend their relationship with his father Jeff Conine. Otherwise he would have stayed inn the minors and eventually be out of here.

[BMK3]

Like Yarbrough.  Like Keller.    The fact that they did not waive Nardi is somewhat hopeful.

[Guest]

Who will be this year's Placido Polanco, or Heath Bell? You know, a pretty much washed up player that the Marlins sign just to show that they do spend some of the Luxury Tax money that they get.