Marlins officially eliminated from 2025 postseason contention

A postseason berth was not on anybody's mind at the outset of the 2025 Miami Marlins season. Even as the season played out, there were long stretches where it seemed like an impossibility because the team simply wasn't good enough. However, a pair of remarkably hot stretches and the National League's overall mediocrity kept the third Wild Card spot within reach entering Miami's 159th game. Finally on Thursday night, a 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies mathematically eliminated the Fish.

The Marlins have only reached the playoffs four times in franchise history—1997, 2003, 2020 and 2023—and only three times in their 30 full-length seasons.

Although ultimately unable to extend their campaign into October, the Marlins have a lot to be encouraged about. They have added 15 wins (and counting) from 2024 to 2025, the third-biggest improvement in MLB behind only the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. They've compiled a ton of starting rotation depth and identified several foundational position players, all of whom still have multiple years of club control remaining. Flirting with a .500 record will be the baseline expectation for 2026 rather than the product of overachieving.

Heading into Friday, the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants remain in contention for the third Wild Card spot. One of them will join the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs to fill out the NL postseason field.

The Marlins will wrap up their season by hosting the Mets for a three-game set at loanDepot park.