Updated Marlins Opening Day roster projection entering 2025 spring training

The 2025 baseball season is right around the corner. Very little is expected of the Miami Marlins this year, but the players on the field will ultimately determine the club's fate. Fish On First will be updating their progress every step of the way.

Isaac Azout wrote up our most recent roster projection on January 3. Here's what has happened since then:

• We learned that Braxton Garrett underwent left UCL revision surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season
• Connor Gillispie was claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Braves
• Jhonny Pereda was traded to the Athletics for cash considerations
• Manager Clayton McCullough described Andrew Nardi as being "a little bit behind" in his throwing progression following an offseason injury setback

I have updated the projection accordingly as pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter in the coming days.

Position players

Default starting lineup (vs. RHP): C Nick Fortes, 1B Matt Mervis, 2B Otto Lopez, 3B Connor Norby, SS Xavier Edwards, LF Jesús Sánchez, CF Kyle Stowers, RF Griffin Conine, DH Jonah Bride 

Bench: C Liam Hicks, OF Dane Myers, OF Derek Hill, UTIL Ronny Simon 

Just missed: Eric Wagaman, Javier Sanoja 

In December, the Marlins announced that they had signed free agent Eric Wagaman to a "major league contract," which may have misled the public about his place on the team's depth chart. It is in fact a split contract that does not guarantee any time in the majors, nor does it void his three remaining minor league options. The Marlins signed him before they knew that Matt Mervis would be available. Mervis has more upside as a power hitter and there's a greater urgency to find out what he can do considering his extensive Triple-A experience and only one remaining option. I think it'd be redundant to roster Wagaman, Mervis and Jonah Bride simultaneously, with Wagaman being the odd man out initially.

Javier Sanoja's most likely long-term role is utility player, but the Marlins shouldn't be in a rush to make that determination when he's only 22 years old. Sanoja bulked up a bit during the offseason—maybe that improves his game power enough to raise his ceiling. Best way to find out is through everyday reps at Triple-A while another versatile defender warms the bench in Miami. Room on the 40-man roster can be created for Ronny Simon by placing an injured pitcher on the 60-day IL.

None of the Marlins outfielders are true lineup fixtures. Although Dane Myers is listed on my bench, he should be getting multiple starts per week and coming off the bench to face lefties in most other games.

Derek Hill and Albert Almora Jr. are competing for a defensive replacement/situational pinch-runner job. Hill's 40-man spot gives him a distinct advantage.

Pitchers

Starting rotation: RHP Sandy Alcantara, LHP Ryan Weathers, RHP Edward Cabrera, RHP Max Meyer, RHP Valente Bellozo 

Bullpen: RHP Calvin Faucher, RHP Anthony Bender, RHP Declan Cronin, RHP Jesús Tinoco, RHP Xzavion Curry, RHP Lake Bachar, LHP Anthony Veneziano, LHP Josh Simpson 

Just missed: Andrew Nardi, Adam Mazur, Connor Gillispie 

There is little doubt about the first three starting rotation spots. The fun begins after that. Max Meyer should get an opportunity to flush his disappointing 2024 season. Valente Bellozo's solid rookie year production makes him the most likely No. 5 spot placeholder, but he can be overtaken if one of the other rotation candidates excels during spring training. Do not rule out the possibility of Miami signing an accomplished veteran to a cheap, one-year deal at some point this month.

The Marlins bullpen has been overhauled over the last 12 months. Anthony Bender is the only reliever included in both last year's pre-spring projection and this one. Calvin Faucher is best positioned to receive save opportunities. Even with the return of Sandy Alcantara, there are serious concerns about how much length this team's starters will provide. That will prompt the Marlins to carry multiple bulk guys in the 'pen at the same time, in this case Xzavion Curry and Anthony Veneziano, with Connor Gillispie among those contending for the same role.

In my experience, whenever a pitcher is less than 100% healthy at the start of camp due to an arm injury, they're doubtful to be on the Opening Day active roster. It helps that Andrew Nardi is rarely used for more than one inning at a time, so once he's cleared to ramp up, that process shouldn't take long. The Marlins could go in a handful of different directions to fill Nardi's spot. I'm making somewhat of a bold pick by projecting NRI Josh Simpson to get the nod. Simpson impressed in Jupiter last year before being derailed by an injury of his own and McCullough would probably appreciate having a conventional left-on-left matchup option.

Any differences between your roster projection and mine? Comment to let me know.