Adam Mazur to miss 2026 season following elbow surgery

[Ely Sussman]

The Miami Marlins have announced that right-hander Adam Mazur underwent elbow surgery on Wednesday, sidelining him for the entire 2026 season. The procedure, performed by Dr. Keith Meister, was a UCL reconstruction with an internal brace. The timeline for him to return to game action is approximately 13-14 months.

The slender Mazur reported to spring training heavier than ever this year, specifically with the goal of maintaining his physical health throughout a full-length season. Instead, he's looking at a lengthy absence after only three innings of exhibition action.

In 2025, which was his age-24 season, Mazur mainly pitched with Triple-A Jacksonville (4.36 ERA and 5.10 FIP in 107.1 IP). He also posted a 4.80 ERA and 4.90 FIP in six starts at the major league level. Mazur possesses a six-pitch arsenal and plus control, but he's still searching for a way to consistently miss bats against MLB competition (career 13.8 K%).

Prior to this injury, Mazur was believed to be seventh on the Marlins' starting rotation depth chart behind Alcantara, Pérez, Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett, Chris Paddack and Janson Junk.

Left-hander Robby Snelling was acquired along with Mazur in a 2024 trade with the San Diego Padres—he is perhaps the biggest beneficiary of his teammate's absence. Should any two of the aforementioned names suffer concurrent injuries of their own early in the season, the 22-year-old prospect figures to be called up to make his big league debut. Creating room for Snelling on Miami's 40-man roster is no longer an issue—Mazur can be placed on the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move when needed.

Mazur currently has 67 days of MLB service time. He will accrue a full year of service in 2026 while rehabbing from surgery. He's on track to reach free agency following the 2031 season.

The Marlins have put the utmost trust in Dr. Meister through the years. He guided Sandy Alcantara (2023) and Eury Perez (2024) through their own UCL reconstructions.

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[Hippyboi]

That sux. I thought he might win the 5th starter spot.

[Seth Stohs]

That stinks for any pitcher, but I always think it's more unfortunate for the younger guys who haven't made any money yet. Whether a 5th starter or a long reliever, his upside probably isn't that of Ace, but it all adds up. 

Had he been optioned yet? Hopefully he gets a full year of service time and league minimum salary! 

[Slacker Mills]

Don't know if Paddack has other fans, but I am thrilled to have him back with the Marlins. I followed every one of his A Ball starts for the Marlins, where he shined like another Fernandez. What I love most is that he throws strikes, a talent that is missing in Miami. I'm looking for sub-4 ERA from him this season.

[THOMAS JOSEPH]

This means two years of precious career time. 

[David Slaton]

One wonders if it really makes any sense these days to give young pitchers long-term contracts. Nobody seems to know the answer about this one. What are the odds that a pitcher is going to hold up through a 5 or 6-year deal?