Karson Milbrandt to represent Marlins in 2026 Futures Game

[Kevin Barral]

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the 2026 Futures Game taking place in Philadelphia. The representative for the Miami Marlins will be right-handed pitcher Karson Milbrandt.

Milbrandt, Fish On First's No. 6 prospect, has made 13 starts between Double-A and Triple-A. In that span, he has a 1.63 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 12.08 K/9 and 4.61 BB/9.

Milbrandt's fastball velocity has been sitting in the mid-90s more consistently than it was in previous seasons. The right-hander is mixing in three distinct breaking balls—a slider, curveball and sweeper—and he also has a new kick change. The expanded arsenal has helped him against left-handed batters, who slashed .233/.379/.295/.673 in 2025, compared to .131/.286/.196/.482 this season.

His best stretch came early in the season in Pensacola, where in nine starts, he posted a 1.34 ERA, 2.93 FIP, 13.40 K/9 and 3.26 BB/9. During his short stint in Pensacola, Milbrandt tossed 27 consecutive scoreless innings, which is the most by a starting pitcher in Blue Wahoos history. He was also named Southern League Player of the Month in May.

Since going to Triple-A, Milbrandt has made four starts, posting a 2.33 ERA, 4.24 FIP, 8.84 K/9 and 7.91 BB/9. In all four starts, Milbrandt has walked three or more hitters, most recently six against Memphis.

It is typical for the Marlins to have two Futures Game representatives each year. Unless injuries or other circumstances create last-minute openings, this will mark the first time since 2022 that they will only have one prospect featured in the game.

The Futures Game will take place on Sunday, July 12 at noon at Citizens Bank Park.

View full article