Updated 2026 Marlins Opening Day roster projection following Christopher Morel signing

[Ely Sussman]

My timing is impeccable, isn't it? As of early Friday morning when this article was originally published, the Marlins had widespread "interest" in players capable of improving their lineup and late-inning relief, but had been unable to close any deals. That changed on Friday afternoon with the signing of Christopher Morel to a one-year deal.

More than two months since Isaac Azout's pre-offseason roster projection, at least something has changed.

On top of that, Fish On First's recent reporting from the Winter Meetings has added some clarity to how Miami's internal options would be utilized if the 2026 season started today.

 

Position players

Default starting lineup: C Agustín Ramírez, 1B Christopher Morel, 2B Xavier Edwards, 3B Graham Pauley, SS Otto Lopez, LF Kyle Stowers, CF Jakob Marsee, RF Griffin Conine, DH Heriberto Hernández

Bench: C/1B Liam Hicks, UTIL Javier Sanoja, INF/OF Connor Norby, OF Dane Myers 

Ten of these 13 names finished the 2025 season on the Marlins active roster. The only exceptions to that outside of Morel are Stowers (oblique strain) and Myers (knee laceration), both of whom have since fully recovered from their injuries.

I was debating whether to squeeze Eric Wagaman or Myers off the club to make room for Morel. Wagaman was the much more productive hitter throughout the second half of last year, but Myers can greatly impact games with his defense and baserunning. I'll give Myers the edge in that roster battle for now.

Just missed: 1B Eric Wagaman, C Joe Mack

Historically, most prospects with Mack's pedigree have been excluded from the Marlins Opening Day roster for service-time manipulation purposes—assigning them to the minor leagues for two weeks delays their free agent eligibility by a full year. Particularly during Bruce Sherman's ownership tenure, cost-efficiency has taken priority over winning ballgames. I have to assume that approach will continue until proven otherwise.

Similar to Ramírez last year, Mack will likely debut in mid-to-late April.

 

Pitchers

Starting rotation: RHP Sandy Alcantara, RHP Edward Cabrera, RHP Eury Pérez, LHP Ryan Weathers, RHP Max Meyer

Bullpen: RHP Ronny Henriquez, RHP Anthony Bender, RHP Calvin Faucher, RHP Tyler Phillips, LHP Cade Gibson, RHP Lake Bachar, LHP Andrew Nardi, RHP Janson Junk

It feels like an eternity ago, but there was legitimate excitement around Meyer as a starter in spring training. He looked to be justifying the hype with a 2.10 ERA and 33.9% strikeout rate through his first five regular season starts. Regression hit him hard after that and his struggles were exacerbated by a hip injury. Although he ought to be on a short leash given the Marlins' abundance of rotation candidates, the former top draft pick will probably break camp with a starting job.

The Marlins tendered Nardi a contract coming off a completely lost season. That doesn't mean his nagging back issue has been resolved. Even if available to take the mound, perhaps the quality of stuff will have diminished too much for him to reprise his 2023-24 role.

Just missed: LHP Braxton Garrett, RHP Josh White

Garrett would be the biggest beneficiary of a potential Cabrera trade. Barring that, he may have to bide his time in Jacksonville until a rotation spot opens up.

White should be a welcome reinforcement for a bullpen that lacked swing-and-miss in 2025. It's just hard to squeeze him onto the roster if everybody's healthy and the Marlins decide to carry multiple lefty relievers. 

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[Hans Herrera]

First of all.... So freaking disappointing that this team hasn't been in a better position in YEARS - Close to being a solid competitive team, missing two or three pieces, all while having the lowest payroll in the majors... This should be the definition of a franchise dream for both fans and the management... And still not doing anything about it!

And about the roster: I think Junk should have the edge over Meyer for that 5th rotation spot, but I understand that Max still has upside while Junk is probably at his peak. Otherwise, there is not much else to say, right?

[Robert Hanson]

Other than Nardi, who’s a mystery right now, this looks spot on.

   With Garrett missing all of last season, starting the season in Jville is realistic. If this is the case the Jville rotation is loaded with lefties (Garrett, Snelling, T. White, & Dax), plus Mazur & Gusto. 

    Obviously a trade or a f.a. signing changes the equation. The last 2 offseasons, Bendix didn’t sign a f.a. until February (T.A. & Quantrill). To expect a signing sooner and to expect a player to be signed to a multi year deal would be delusional. 
   When the Marlins created a roster spot, thought they might grab a player in rule 5. Perhaps they had their eye on a player who was already taken when their pick came up. On the other hand, where exactly would said player fit on this roster? The Marlins do have a better roster heading into this season than last season. 

[UKPhil]

I would love to see Joe Mack on the opening day roster. After Fortes was traded catching could get embarrassing.