Marlins lose Matt Pushard, Zach McCambley in Rule 5 draft

[Kevin Barral]

ORLANDO, FL—One of the strengths of the Miami Marlins organization in 2025 was their minor league relievers. Other MLB teams took advantage of that during Wednesday's Rule 5 draft, selecting major league-ready bullpen arms who the Marlins did not have room to protect on their roster. The Marlins held the 12th pick of the draft and passed. Meanwhile, they lost Matt Pushard to the St. Louis Cardinals and Zach McCambley to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pushard, 28, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022. In 2025, he posted a 3.61 ERA, 2.98 FIP, 10.54 K/9 and 3.32 BB/9 through 62 ⅓ innings pitched (all of that with Triple-A Jacksonville). He has a three-pitch mix, which begins with a fastball that averages 94-96 mph, topping out at 97 mph, then has a sweeper and curveball. He also has a changeup and cutter, but does not consistently use them. He was among the oldest draft-eligible players.

McCambley, 26, was selected in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He made the switch from the starting rotation to the bullpen in 2023, but has dealt with a plethora of injuries. Health was not an issue in 2025 as he threw 62 innings, posting a 2.90 ERA, 2.60 FIP, 12.05 K/9 and 3.19 BB/9 in 47 appearances.

McCambley mainly relies on his fastball/slider combo. He also uses an occasional cutter. McCambley's slider has always been his best weapon—this past season, it had a 51% miss rate with a 34% chase rate.

As Rule 5 picks, Pushard and McCambley must either make the Opening Day 26-man roster with their new clubs or be placed on the major league injured list. They also cannot be optioned to the minors at any point during the 2026 season. Otherwise, they have to be offered back to the Marlins. Last year, for example, the Marlins lost Anderson Pilar to the Atlanta Braves in the Rule 5, but he was returned to Miami during spring training.

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