Way-too-early 2027 Marlins Opening Day roster projection

[Isaac Azout]

Forecasting the outcomes of roster battles was a headache at this time a year ago for a Miami Marlins team relying on so many inexperienced and players. Plenty of questions remained about which of them would establish themselves as long-term pieces.

After going 80-82, the Marlins improved by one game in 2026. Along the way, Heriberto Hernández and Griffin Conine established themselves as middle-of-the-order power bats. Joe Mack seized control of the catcher position and Otto Lopez took a big step forward. The top half of Miami’s rotation was as lethal as any in baseball for extended stretches.

That said, Miami still needs to supplement its core with more established talent, particularly on the pitching side, while continuing to get positive contributions from another wave of prospects.

The following projection applies specifically to Opening Day and makes the assumption that it will take place on March 25 as currently scheduled. These are not necessarily the 26 “best” players in the Marlins organization—they are the ones with the easiest path to begin the 2027 season on the active roster.

 

Position Players

Default starting lineup: C Joe Mack, 1B Kyle Stowers, 2B Xavier Edwards, 3B Javier Sanoja, SS Otto Lopez, LF Heriberto Hernandez, CF Cam Cannarella, RF Griffin Conine, DH Owen Caissie

Bench: C/1B Agustín Ramírez, UTIL Jonathon Long, INF Graham Pauley, OF Esteury Ruiz

The Marlins just announced on Thursday that Jakob Marsee is undergoing left elbow surgery, which comes with a recovery time of approximately six months. Unless he recovers far ahead of schedule, he'll open the regular season on the injured list. That opens the door for Cannarella, the reigning Marlins Minor League Player of the Year, to make his MLB debut.

Third base was a position that desperately needed an upgrade, but Javier Sanoja seized his opportunity and ran with it. Over his final 65 games of the season, despite not receiving the playing time he deserved because of Miami’s stubborn insistence on playing Leo Jiménez, the WBC champion slashed .315/.354/.511 with eight home runs and 35 RBI. Overall, he accumulated 3.1 bWAR. Bendix implied that Sanoja has done more than enough to earn a starting job in 2027.

It’s not unreasonable to think former first-round draft pick Aiva Arquette could emerge as an option at third base in the second half of the season.

The Marlins will target a right-handed power bat, which could make Ruiz or Ramirez expendable. Additionally, I expect Miami to look for a veteran catcher to back up Mack. Jonah Heim and Carson Kelly are potential options. 

Just missed: Deyvison De Los Santos, Jared Serna, Maximo Acosta

 

Pitchers

Starting rotation: RHP Sandy Alcantara, RHP Eury Pérez, RHP Max Meyer, RHP Janson Junk, RHP Tyler Phillips 

Bullpen: RHP Michael Petersen, RHP Ronny Henriquez, RHP Anthony Bender, RHP Josh Ekness, LHP Cade Gibson, RHP Jack Ralston, LHP Dax Fulton, RHP Victor Vodnik

Sandy Alcantara put together his best season since his 2022 Cy Young campaign. The longtime ace is expected to have his $21 million club option picked up. With no extension in place, that will be Alcantara’s final season under club control.

Max Meyer had his All-Star campaign cut short by a neck strain. He is expected to be ready for spring training. The right-hander posted a 2.68 ERA in a career-high 111 IP.

After pitching almost exclusively out of the bullpen for Miami in 2025, Tyler Phillips became a constant in the rotation from late May onward. In 37 appearances, Phillips was worth 2.2 bWAR and posted a 3.34 ERA over a career-high 126 ⅔ innings, nearly 50 more than his previous career high.

Thomas White was on pace to debut this season, but he went down early with a shoulder strain. While he is expected to make a full recovery for spring, he is not expected to make the OD roster. 

Robby Snelling got a very brief taste of the majors before his season was halted after by left elbow surgery. He is expected to return in May/June.

Miami’s bullpen will certainly welcome back Ronny Henriquez. Henriquez was by far Miami's most effective reliever in 2025 as he struck out 98 batters in 73 IP, posting a sparkling 2.22 ERA. He was sidelined throughout 2026 following Tommy John surgery.

Just missed: Ryan Gusto, Bradley Blaylock, Thomas White, Adam Mazur

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[David Slaton]

Good article Isaac! I appreciate the news that Jacob Marsee is not going to be starting the year. Sad for the young man but he'll be back! I honestly think they're just going to stick with Augustine Ramirez as the backup catcher.