Kevin Barral

At 22 years old, Sanoja is already at the Major League level. The versatility and contact hitting he showed as a prospect have immediately translated. MIAMI, FL —It has all happened so fast for Javier Sanoja. The undersized utility man who spent most of his time last year at the Low-A level is now on the field almost every day for the Miami Marlins. The organization has consistently challenged Sanoja and he hasn't backed down. Late in the 2023 season, he earned a promotion to High-A. Those 30 games were impressive enough to get the 5'7" Venezuelan a long look at Marlins big league spring training camp. He began the 2024 season at Double-A where he only stayed for 15 games before getting moved up to Triple-A in place of an injured José Devers. After an initial adjustment period, Sanoja raked against AAA pitching throughout the summer. Shortly after his 22nd birthday, he got his first MLB call-up on the night of September 6. "It was an unforgettable moment for any baseball player," said Sanoja in Spanish. "I think every player wants to make their Major League debut and thankfully that opportunity came to me. I was in [Louisville,] Kentucky on a road trip and the manager called me and asked me why I didn't run hard enough. He then told me that the the organization was sending me to Miami and to run hard and my face changed because I was disappointed it wasn't my best night, but thankfully I was able to debut." Prior to his contract selection, Sanoja was slashing .291/.354/.431/.785 with six home runs, 58 RBI, 14 stolen bases and a 105 wRC+ at the AAA level. Making contact is his best skill. He had the lowest strikeout percentage in the International League despite being five years younger than the average player in the league. It isn't normal to see such rapid movement through the minor leagues, especially in a case like Sanoja's. When signed by the Marlins as an international free agent in 2019, he received a bonus of only $90k, representing less than 2% of the team's overall bonus pool. "I think winter ball has played a fundamental part for me," said Sanoja, who played for Venezuela's Cardenales de Lara after the 2022 and 2023 minor league seasons. "I think that's helped me advance quickly." It's only been 27 plate appearances thus far at the Major League level, but Sanoja has made the transition smoothly so far. His .718 OPS is almost identical to the career .719 OPS he posted in the minors. Entering Friday, he has gone 19 straight plate appearances without striking out, which is among the longest active streaks in MLB. "I can't imagine being in the big leagues at 22 years old," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. "I was scuffling in Low-A or High-A and he's trying to hit Major League-caliber pitching." Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Sanoja's defense will have a big impact on his role. He gained experience at practically every position during his journey through the minors and winter ball. Schumaker has already used him at second base, shortstop, left field and center field. Whether it be starting or coming off the bench, that versatility has gotten him on the field in 11 out of 12 games since his call-up. "He's going to be the Tommy Edmans, the Daniel Descalsos, and back in the day, the [Chone] Figginses. He's going to be playing everywhere because he can run. He takes really good at-bats...I think if he can play shortstop and be good defensively, he'll be in the league for 15 years." View full article

One of the biggest storylines in all of Major League Baseball is in Miami. Shohei Ohtani finds himself two home runs and two stolen bases shy of a 50/50 season and the Miami Marlins react to the possibility of that occurring at loanDepot park. MIAMI, FL - With the Marlins season set to end next week, one of the biggest storylines in baseball history walked into loanDepot park: Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese sensation entered Tuesday three home runs and two stolen bases shy of a 50/50 season, the first in MLB history. Following the game, Ohtani found himself just two homers and two stolen bases shy. Along with Ohtani taking another step forwards towards this accomplishment, the Miami Marlins offense knocked in 11 runs to win by a final score of 11-9. "Probably the best player I've ever seen play," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. "He can do it all and he's rehabbing too. That's just what's so crazy, what he's doing on a rehab year...Not everybody's breaking records. There's only a few guys that can really do what he's doing. Acuña was 40/70, something crazy last year which is really something people really don't talk about. The thing that I still just don't understand is how he's such a good pitcher on rehab assignment doing these crazy things. It just blows my mind. I think he's going to continue to do this throughout his career. I don't think it's a one year type of thing." This past offseason, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700M contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending six years with the Angles of Anaheim. Going into the series opener against the Marlins, Ohtani was slashing .288/.373/.609/.982. At the moment, Ohtani is the favorite to win the National League MVP. If he wins the award, he would become the second player in MLB history to accomplish the feat. The first to do it was Frank Robinson. Someone who is rooting for Ohtani, especially in this series against the Marlins, is Skip Schumaker's son, Brody. "My son watches Shohei in LA and all his friends can't wait to see what Shohei did that night. There's only a couple guys that you stop and watch when they're hitting: Bryce, Harper, Manny Machado, Shohei, Betts and Freeman...Shohei is definitely a guy that around the league everyone stops to watch, to see what he's going to do. Just a special player and it should be fun for everybody to watch these three games." Amongst big storylines entering Tuesday's series, Sandy Alcantara was certainly one of them. He threw his first live BP since undergoing Tommy John surgery last October. During his scrum following his throwing session, he was asked about Shohei Ohtani, who he has faced three times in his career. Alcantara has kept him hitless in three at-bats. "I think everybody is talking about that," said Alcantara. "I think he's a great player. I don't know how to be proud of this guy because he's been doing great in his long career. I think he just needs to keep doing what he's doing and hopefully he can get to 50/50." Another pitcher who has faced Ohtani is Jesus Luzardo. Unlike Alcantara, Ohtani got to Luzardo once, hitting a home run off of him in 2021 when he was a member of the Oakland Athletics. Overall, Ohtani is 1-for-7 with four strikeouts against Luzardo. "It's cool to watch history," said Luzardo. "Obviously he's a great player on both sides of the ball and we wish him the best, just hopefully we come out on top." After striking out in the top of the first inning, Ohtani took Marlins starter Darren McCaughan deep for a 402 foot home run, his 48th of the season. Aside from his home run at-bat, Ohtani didn't do too much, striking out in the following two at-bats before grounding out to finish his night. When you have to face a top of the order that includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, expectations to win a baseball game are low, but on Tuesday night, the Marlins defied those odds and beat the Dodgers 11-9. "They don't go away," said Schumaker. "That offense is crazy. It just doesn't stop, there's no breaks. Our bullpen was outstanding today. I know Tinoco gave up a couple runs there at the end, but they really kept him at bay for the most part throughout the middle of the game, towards the end, provided some really big innings. I know a couple guys gave up a run, but that's okay, our offense just kept going." Bobby Miller, who was a pillar in the Dodgers rotation last season, has had a sophomore slump that includes a 8.17 ERA through 12 starts. On Tuesday night, despite averaging 97.7 mph on his fastball, the Marlins made him work, knocking him out after two innings of work. Following his start, Millers' ERA increased to 8.52. Of the most notable players for the Marlins was Jesus Sanchez, who went 5-for-5 with three RBI. It marks Sanchez's first career five-hit game and the first by a Marlin in 2024. Including Sanchez, eight of the nine players in the Marlins lineup were able to collect a base hit. Jake Burger, Otto Lopez, Jonah Bride, Jesus Sanchez and Kyle Stowers all had at least one RBI. "He's got real power to the pull side," said Schumaker following the game. "He hit it the other way, took really good takes in high leverage counts and high leverage spots. If he ends up just being a guy that hits righties, it's pretty dang good. It means always over an .800 OPS that I think is only going to get better. As he gets older and understands the league more and the game-planning and what they're trying to do to him, he's a really dangerous bat in the lineup, especially against the righty." Lopez, who has been hitting the ball well as of late, hit his sixth home run of the season in the bottom of the third inning. Burger gave the Marlins an 11-7 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning with his 26th home run of the season. This marked the Marlins sixth time in 2024 scoring double-digit runs. It was also the highest-scoring home game of the season for the Fish. Former Marlin Miguel Rojas had himself a feel-good moment in the top of the fourth inning when he took his former team deep for the first time since being traded back to the Dodgers. It was his sixth home run of the season and first at loanDepot park as a visiting player. With the win, the Marlins move to 56-95 on the season and will look to win a series for the first time since defeating the San Francisco Giants on the road (August 30- September 1). As for the Dodgers, they drop to 89-62. Ryan Weathers is expected to be activated off the 60-day IL on Wednesday as he will take the mound. For the Dodgers, Landon Knack will make his 11th start of the season. First pitch will be at 6:40 pm. View full article

Nearly a year removed from undergoing Tommy John surgery, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara threw his first live batting practice session at loanDepot park and addressed the media afterward. View full video

Weathers is set to start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, his first big league action since June 7. After spending over three months on the injured list, Miami Marlins lefty Ryan Weathers is expected to be reinstated to start Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a source told Fish On First. The 24-year-old is coming back from a left index finger strain. Entering spring training, Weathers was buried deep on Miami's starting rotation depth chart, projected to begin the 2024 season as a swingman or member of the Triple-A Jacksonville pitching staff. But as camp progressed, he showed improved command and velocity, leading to more swing-and-miss. Injuries to several other starters created room for him to make the Opening Day rotation. Weathers was enjoying a breakout season. After some early struggles, he locked in and posted a 1.91 ERA in the month of May, including eight scoreless innings on May 14 against the Detroit Tigers and 11 strikeouts against the Texas Rangers on June 1. Through 13 starts, he posted a 3.55 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 8.49 K/9 and 2.54 BB/9 in 71 innings pitched. These rate stats are all career highs for the former first-round draft pick. Compared to previous years, Weathers has begun to trust his secondary stuff and rely less on his four-seam fastball. This season, his sweeper has generated an incredible 55.3 whiff% with his changeup at a 39.5 whiff%. His four-seamer is averaging 95.9 mph, which is the best of his career as well. Facing the Cleveland Guardians on June 7, Weathers was removed during the third inning due to the finger injury. It took a long time for it to completely heal, so he did not begin a throwing program until after the All-Star break. During his three minor league rehab starts, Weathers struck out 16 hitters in 10 ⅔ innings pitched. His final start came on September 13 with AAA-Jacksonville, where he went five scoreless innings of work. He used his entire pitch mix with his four-seamer averaging 94.7 mph and topping out at 96.4 mph. If the Marlins use a five-man rotation, Weathers could make three starts before the end of the season: one each against the Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays matchup would be Game 162, just like in 2023 when he also started the club's regular season finale. View full article

The Pirates rookie phenom was just as advertised on Monday, striking out nine Marlins en route to a win. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes was considered MLB's best pitching prospect at the time of his promotion. Since then, he has done everything possible to live up to that, posting a 2.13 ERA entering Monday's game that was the lowest in the majors during that period. The Marlins got their first look at Skenes on Monday night in Pittsburgh. They were the victims of yet another quality start as the rookie went six innings, allowing one run off of six hits. He also walked one and struck out nine. The Pirates would win by a final score of 3-1 and Skenes improved his record to 10-2. Don't be fooled by their overall numbers or lack of experience: Skenes was facing a solid offense. Prior to the July 30 deadline, the Marlins were averaging only 3.61 runs per game, but since then, they are scoring 4.49 runs per game, slightly above the MLB average. They had also combined for 19 runs over their previous two games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Skenes was overpowering on Monday with a four-seam fastball that averaged 98.8 mph while topping out at 100.6 mph. The "splinker" (which has characteristics of both a sinker and a splitter) has been Skenes' calling card since arriving to MLB. Throwing it 19 times, he generated four swings on it and used it once as a putaway pitch when he struck out Jake Burger swinging in the top of the fourth inning. Eight out of the nine players in Miami's starting lineup (except Otto Lopez) were struck out by Skenes. Connor Norby had a rare hitless game and struck out swinging twice. The only run that the Pirates starter surrendered was in the top of the fourth. Jesús Sánchez doubled off a 98.5 mph fastball and the hot-hitting Lopez got an RBI single off a 99.2 mph fastball. Marlins starter Valente Bellozo continued his Linsanity run, going 5 ⅓ innings pitched, allowing three runs (but only one earned) off of six hits to lower his ERA to 3.57. He also walked one and struck out two. In the bottom of the first inning, Bellozo surrendered a 444-foot home run to newly converted center fielder Oneil Cruz. That was Cruz's 19th home run of the season and it gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead. A throwing error by Xavier Edwards set up a Bryan Reynolds single, which drove in two runs and extended the Pirates lead to 3-0. The Marlins had an impressive ninth-inning rally against flame-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman. Recent call-up Javier Sanoja drew a four-pitch walk, then two batters later, Cristian Pache followed with an RBI double. It wasn't enough as the Marlins fell by a final score of 3-2, suffering their 90th loss. Adam Oller is expected to start for the Marlins in game two of the three-game set against the Pirates. First pitch on Tuesday will be at 6:40 pm ET. View full article

Claimed off waivers by the Marlins, John McMillon has quickly helped fill the shoes of the veteran relievers who were moved in trade deadline deals. MIAMI—Going up against Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, the Miami Marlins were going to be big underdogs no matter what. When scheduled starter Edward Cabrera was scratched on short notice due to migraine-like symptoms, that actually could have worked in Miami's favor. Their relievers have quietly combined for 6.4 fWAR in 2024, the second-best mark in MLB. Although this emergency bullpen game was a disaster—the Marlins lost by a final score of 16-2—the 'pen has stepped up in general despite a constantly changing roster. Earlier this week, Marlins manager Skip Schumaker complimented president of baseball operations Peter Bendix for turning waiver wire acquisitions into potential pieces of the club's 2025 Opening Day roster. "Peter's done a good job in the front office of getting us some arms that we could still compete with." said Schumaker. "A lot of the back-end arms, the guys that were off small trades or waivers—(Jesús) Tinoco, (Calvin) Faucher and (Declan) Cronin—that group has been really successful for us. I don't know where we would be without them, honestly. You take a shot with some of these guys that have real power stuff." Right-handed reliever John McMillon is continuing this trend. The former undrafted free agent spent some time in the Kansas City Royals organization and made his major league debut with them in 2023, only pitching in four games. The Royals designated him for assignment on July 30. In eight Marlins games this season since being claimed off waivers, McMillon has posted a 1.69 ERA, 3.56 FIP, 10.1 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 through 10 ⅔ innings pitched. He is riding a four-game hitless streak. "Those are guys that you feel like you can take a chance on and work with because you can tweak one or two things, then they become like Faucher or Cronin," said Schumaker. In McMillon's case, the Marlins have tweaked his slider usage. In AAA earlier this season, the majority of his pitches (53.4%) were four-seam fastballs, but since arriving to Miami, the slider has become his primary pitch, being thrown 61.4% of the time. "I feel like it's just been a good rhythm here," said McMillon. "I like the game plan we're getting put together and have been executing efficiently so far. I think that that's what's contributing to that." Opponents are 1-for-25 with 11 strikeouts in at-bats ending with McMillon's slider. "I never want a guy to get away from this fastball," said Schumaker about McMillon, whose heater averages 95.5 mph. "If you don't have a true outlier pitch, then you need to mix and match...The more we see him, the more we look at the data, that might be an outlier pitch as of right now. I think he's a two-pitch pitcher that can get guys out." In Edward Cabrera's place, Austin Kitchen made the start against the Phillies on Friday. The lefty struggled in two innings of work and allowed seven runs (six earned) off of nine hits. Kitchen only managed to strike out one opposing hitter. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler cruised through six innings, not allowing a hit through 3 ⅓ innings of work. Connor Norby broke up Wheeler's no-hit bid with a base hit right at third baseman Kody Clemens. Although the Marlins were able to score that run, they wouldn't tack on more until the bottom of the ninth inning when the game was already decided. Kitchen and five other Marlins pitchers (not including McMillon) combined to allow 22 hits, the highest single-game total for any team in loanDepot park history. The last time that the Marlins allowed 20 or more hits was earlier this season in a 20-4 loss to the Oakland Athletics on May 4, the same day Luis Arraez was traded. For the Fish on Saturday, Darren McCaughan will take the mound, making his second start of the season in a Marlins uniform. The Phillies will trot out co-ace Aaron Nola. In his last start against the Marlins, Nola went 6 ⅔ innings, striking out nine. With a current record of 52-89, the Marlins will look to avoid their 90th loss of the season. View full article

In advance of his first home game as a Miami Marlin, outfielder Griffin Conine speaks to Fish On First about what his major league experience has been like so far, hitting at loanDepot park and the adjustments that earned him a long-awaited call-up. View full video

Through one week at the Major League level, Griffin Conine has impressed, doing a little bit of everything. He looks to keep it going during his first Marlins homestand. MIAMI, FL—When the Marlins promoted Griffin Conine to the Major Leagues, expectations were relatively low for the 27-year-old, However, through six games, he's hitting .300/.333/.600/.933 with one home run and three RBI. All of a sudden, Conine is attempting to make the case to earn some sort of role for the 2025 season. "He's made some real strides in becoming a complete hitter," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker before Tuesday's series-opener. "Not just the power, the power is there. He's a big, strong and physical kid. He's going to run into some baseballs, but I think seeing him hit it the other way, the line drive approach, I think has been pleasant. Not surprising, but more than where he was a few years ago. That's not easy to do and shows how athletic he is. To be able to do that. He's a really good defender. He can really throw the baseball as you saw in Colorado, but I think he's a baseball player." The strides that Schumaker noted go back to Spring Training when he was with the Major League team as a non-roster invitee. The big adjustment for him was getting on top of the ball instead of attacking under, something he noted he did the last couple of seasons. The big adjustment that allowed him to get to the top of the ball more was raising his hands "a lot more," something that he did in high school and college. "It's been huge," Conine told Fish On First in an exclusive interview. "I've told people that I think now I am most rewarded by getting a hit on a tough pitch that I feel like I wouldn't have gotten to last year. Not homers, we love homers, but when your swing is in a good spot, I'm gonna hit it out of the yard, but at the same time, you've gotta compete and be able to hit the pitcher's best pitch and I think I've done a lot better of a job at that than last year." After starting his career in two hitter-friendly ballparks, Conine makes his way to loanDepot park, which is regarded as one of the tougher environments to hit in, but the Marlins new rookie isn't too worried about it as he's looking to make more contact that take a pitcher deep. "It's definitely a place that favors pitchers more," said Conine. "That doesn't really change anything from what I am trying to do. Line drives play always. That's kinda been the story this year where I am learning to give up homers in favor of just getting hits. Any way that you can get into the lineup and get on base and get hits, gets walks and whatever that may be. The homers will come when they come so not too concerned about dimensions or anything like that." Usually for any rookie, they will have a veteran to rely on, but in a season where there has been so much turnover, it's hard to find that veteran presence on the Marlins roster. Instead, it's been a lot of name-learning and finding ways to build relationships with players. "It's interesting," said Conine. "We have a lot of new guys here that have come from trades. A lot of us here are on the same boat, just learning the organization. (Jake) Burger obviously is a great guy to have in the clubhouse. He's been showing me the way a good bit." What does help not just Conine, but a lot of his current teammates is having that relationship in AAA. Notable names that were on the Jumbo Shrimp that are on the active roster are Connor Norby, Xavier Edwards, Jhonny Pereda and recently recalled Anthony Maldonado. "We had a great culture in Jacksonville," said Conine. "Great group of guys there and awesome to see everybody coming up now. That's everyone's goal and I think it's cool that we are all on the same boat in that regard." On Tuesday, Conine pinch-hit in the bottom of the eighth inning where he flew out to left field. Conine remained in the game playing right field. "I think just getting in the box for the first time," said Conine pregame when asked the emotions of playing in Miami. "It's going to be a crazy feeling and I think I'll be more comfortable than I would've been if I hadn't spent so much time here. I'm excited to play." The Marlins fell by a final score of 6-2 after a rough start by Max Meyer, who surrendered five runs in 5 ⅔ innings of work. In the top of the third inning, Nationals outfielder Jacob Young took Meyer deep for a solo-homer. Meyer would allow another home run in the top of the fourth inning to Joey Gallo, this time a three-run shot. The first of two Marlins runs were thanks to a Connor Norby RBI double which drove in Nick Fortes. In the inning that followed, Cristian Pache drove in David Hensley on an RBI double. Former Marlins reliever Robert Garcia closed the game out, striking out the side. The Marlins fell to 0-8 against the Nationals and 51-87 overall in 2024. Just a year ago, they won 11 of their 13 contests against the division-rivals Nats. Wednesday's game will have Mexico-native Valente Bellozo take the mound for the Marlins and for the Nationals, it'll be MacKenzie Gore. The Marlins will look to settle for a split. First pitch is at 6:40 pm. View full article

Marlins starter Adam Oller provided six shutout innings and set a career-high in strikeouts on Friday. However, Miami's bullpen could not hold on to a 1-0 lead. The Miami Marlins had a tough task on Friday, facing two-time Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, who already thrown a no-hitter in 2024 and has been one of MLB's best pitchers throughout the last two months combined. Snell was his useful self, but surprisingly, right-hander Adam Oller was equally successful in shutting down the San Francisco Giants lineup. Between both pitchers, they struck out 16 hitters. A depleted Marlins bullpen blew a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the Giants a 3-1 win. Oller, 29, was originally a 20th-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates and had a long journey just to reach the majors. Released by the Pirates after the 2018 season, he pitched in the Frontier League in 2019 and was later signed that same year by the Giants. The Mets picked him in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft, eventually trading him in 2022 as part of a package to acquire Chris Bassitt. He posted a 7.09 ERA in his 94 MLB innings with Oakland. Oller tried to earn his way back up with the Triple-A affiliates of the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians, but wasn't effective enough to get a second chance. He signed a minor league deal with the Marlins earlier this summer after being cut by Cleveland. In Triple-A Jacksonville this season, Oller appeared in six games (three starts), posting a 2.88 ERA, 3.50 FIP, 8.64 K/9 and 2.52 BB/9 through 25 innings pitched. With lack of starting pitching at the Major League level, the Marlins selected the contract of Oller. He struggled in his first start after the promotion, but Oller settled in and thrived in next outing against the Chicago Cubs. On Friday, Oller was excellent, providing six shutout innings while striking out a career-high eight opposing hitters. After going fastball-heavy against the Cubs, his secondary pitches stood out more in San Francisco. Seven of Oller's 12 whiffs came with his slurve. His command was also on point, rarely leaving pitches in the heart of the strike zone. 0471c8b1-f74fe5e2-8ae33144-csvm-diamondgcp-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4 With Roddery Muñoz being removed from the Marlins rotation earlier this week, Oller's spot looks to be completely secure. On the other side, Giants starter Blake Snell ended up surrendering one run off of four hits, but kept the Marlins at bay throughout most of his outing, going seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. Snell's curveball made the difference despite it being his least-used pitch on the night. Snell's changeup generated 11 of the 19 whiffs followed by the curveball, which generated six whiffs. In the top of the seventh inning, former Giant Derek Hill smacked a base hit, which was followed by his sixth stolen base of the season. After Otto Lopez flew out, Hill moved to third. David Hensley was able to drive in Hill with an opposite-field single to give the Marlins a 1-0 lead. Recently acquired Mike Baumann was the first man out of the Marlins bullpen. After a clean bottom of the seventh, Baumann was kept in for another inning and loaded the bases. George Soriano was brought in to escape the jam with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. However, he surrendered a bases-clearing double to Matt Chapman to give the Giants a 3-1 lead. With the loss, the Marlins dropped to a 49-86 record. The Giants climbed back to an even .500 record at 68-68. On Saturday, Edward Cabrera will take the mound. First pitch will be at 9:05 pm ET. View full article

The Miami Marlins are calling up the son of Jeff Conine, a 27-year-old outfielder who had been raking lately for their Triple-A affiliate. Griffin will debut with the same franchise that his father won two World Series titles with. Following the conclusion of Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs, the Miami Marlins announced that outfielder Griffin Conine has been called up. The son of former Marlins legend and current advisor Jeff Conine will have his contract selected from Triple-A Jacksonville to make his Major League debut on Monday in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. Craig Mish of SportsGrid broke the news first. Shortstop Xavier Edwards (lower back discomfort) will be going on the 10-day injured list to make room for Griffin on the active roster, per MLB.com's Christina De Nicola. With this promotion, the Conines will become the second father/son duo to play for the Marlins organization. David and Ryan Weathers were the first. Griffin, 27, was drafted by the Marlins in the 31st round of the 2015 MLB Draft, but did not sign as he went to play baseball at Duke. After three collegiate seasons, he would be drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. Conine made it up to the Low-A level with the Blue Jays organization. In 2020, when there was no Minor League Baseball being played, the Marlins traded infielder Jonathan Villar to the Blue Jays in exchange for a PTBNL, which ended up being Conine. Throughout his time in the the Marlins system, Conine has been a great power hitter. He ranked second among all minor leaguers with 36 home runs in 2021. The following season, he set the Pensacola Blue Wahoos record for most home runs in a single season at 24. On the other hand, strikeouts have been the main issue holding him back. Conine's strikeout rate across parts of six MiLB seasons is 34.8%. He has lowered that to 29.5% in 2024, but that is still higher than all but six qualified MLB hitters. He isn't ranked on the latest Fish On First Top 30 prospects list. Conine has been streaky this season. Overall, he is slashing .268/.350/.475/.825 with 19 home runs, 68 RBIs and a 113 wRC+ in Jacksonville. He really turned it on over his last 10 games with a .414/.514/.586/1.101 slash line. His production is far better against righties (.890 OPS) than lefties (.653 OPS). Defensively, Conine's strong arm profiles best in right field. He can also play left if the Marlins plan to continue using Jesús Sánchez as their main right fielder. The Marlins begin a week-long road trip on Monday, including four games against the Rockies and three against the San Francisco Giants. Conine could play his first home game on September 3 when they host the Washington Nationals. View full article

Updated details about how the Marlins intend to spend their international bonus pool when the next signing period begins on January 15. Fish On First originally published this look-ahead to the 2025 international signing period back in August. With the official opening of the signing period now just days away, we're publishing one final update to this preview article. Beginning on January 15, the Marlins will have a bonus pool of $7,555,500, the largest pool they have had under MLB's current amateur free agent rules. We can confirm that $3.7 million—nearly half of that total—will go toward signing Venezuelan center fielder/shortstop Andrew Salas, as first reported by Beisbol FR's Francys Romero. Salas' bonus is expected to be the third-highest of all the international amateurs who are slated to sign with MLB teams in 2025 (behind only Japanese sensation RHP Roki Sasaki and SS Elian Peña). Salas, 16, is a lean switch-hitter listed at 6'0" who has the ability to play two premium positions. His two older brothers, José and Ethan, currently play in the minor leagues and signed their own multi-million dollar deals in 2019 and 2023, respectively. Andrew has already begun his professional career in Liga Mayor de Béisbol Profesional. He played for Marineros de Carabobo this past summer, facing much more experienced competition such as longtime MLB reliever Fernando Rodney, who's literally old enough to be Salas' father. In 33 LVBP games, Salas slashed .185/.327/.228 with 11 RBIs and 14 stolen bases on 15 attempts. He got off to a hot start, posting an OPS of 1.079 with six steals through his first six games, but he struggled offensively after that as opponents adjusted. His primary position was center field with a handful of starts at shortstop. Salas is already a plus runner with a smooth left-handed swing. As he gets more game reps from the right side and fills out his frame to generate power, he could quickly emerge as the top position player prospect in the entire Marlins organization. FILE 2024-08-25 21:43:50.mp4 This is where things get complicated. Per Francys Romero, the Marlins and third baseman Juan Tomás (Dominican Republic) had reached a verbal agreement worth approximately $950,000. A switch-hitter like Salas, Tomás turned 17 in November. The organization was excited about his projectability and the rhythm and balance he has from both sides of the plate as well. Defensively, Tomás will initially play on the left side of the infield, but there is a chance he eventually moves to the outfield. FILE 2024-08-25 21:43:46.mp4 However, Tomás will not be signing with Miami after all. In August, the Marlins parted ways with assistant general manager Oz Ocampo and international scouting director Roman Ocumarez as well as Angel Izquierdo, who had personally scouted Tomás. He is now committed to the Chicago Cubs. The Marlins "have already started looking for ways to use that available pool space," a team source tells Fish On First. An "electric" arm and more prospects to monitor Exclusively for FOF SuperSubs, we have video and scouting notes on other members of Miami's 2025 class. View full article

Meyer dialed back the usage of his signature slider on Friday, limiting his swing-and-miss, but improving his efficiency. MIAMI, FL—Friday night's start against the Chicago Cubs felt like an improvement for Max Meyer. The Miami Marlins fell behind 3-1 at one point in the game, but tied it up while Meyer was still on the mound. He would receive a no-decision for his six innings of work. In the top of the eighth inning, the Cubs took a 4-3 lead, then they added insurance in the ninth when catcher Miguel Amaya took reliever Kent Emanuel deep, winning the series opener by a final score of 6-3. Throughout this season, Meyer has been heavily reliant on his slider, making him very predictable. Entering Friday's game, Meyer had used it 42.8% of the time with his four-seam fastball following not too far behind. On Friday, his primary pitch was the fastball. Meyer used his slider 29% of the time, marking the lowest usage of his MLB career (excluding his final injury-shortened 2022 start). Meanwhile, his 26% changeup usage was the highest of his career. "First couple innings were good," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. "Then he gave up some hard hits in the third and fourth inning. After that, it was a quality start." "We wanted to see him throw that a lot more in general," added Schumaker regarding Meyer's changeup. "Not just against this lineup, but we feel like that's going to be a really good pitch for him in the future and we wanted to see him continue to develop that pitch and we think it can be a real weapon. I'm proud of him to throw it and throw it with confidence." Meyer would end the night going six innings, surrendering three runs off of six hits. He also walked two and struck out two. All three runs came off home runs. The first was a Pete Crow-Armstrong inside-the-park home run and then Ian Happ took Meyer deep for a two-run homer. Meyer's results since being recalled from the minors have not been good with three or more earned runs allowed in every outing, but the experience has been valuable regardless. "I've definitely got a lot more information than what I've had," said Meyer. "I think I'm going in the right direction. Once I can get all my mechanical stuff, I've really liked how I've been gameplanning with Nick (Fortes) and Mel (Stottlemyre Jr.). We've been doing a good job and getting my all my pitches involved where I want to put them in the location. I've really made some strides forward on that." Meyer also noted in his postgame that he would like to work on his posture—he mentioned that he has been "swinging out" a little bit too much. Meyer does not hide his frustration. He knows he can be a lot better and he knows that this Max Meyer that has pitched in his return to the Major Leagues isn't the best version of himself. "I know I could pitch a lot better," said Meyer. "That wasn't great. That wasn't a great outing, but yeah, quality start I guess. I'm comfortable with throwing my pitches. I know I have to tune up my mechanics a little bit and then hopefully I can start clicking the rest of the season." Connor Norby, who made his Marlins debut on Monday, has recorded a hit in each game he's played in since then. Along with hitting his fourth double of the season (Orioles and Marlins games combined), Norby stole his first career base in the bottom of the second inning. Leadoff hitter Xavier Edwards was removed prior to the third inning due to lower back discomfort. Vidal Bruján took his place and had a two-hit night. Game two in this three-game set will take place on Saturday at 4:10 pm. It'll be Valente Bellozo taking the mound for Miami and Shota Imanaga for the Cubs. View full article

The Marlins parted with several of their best offensive players in trade deadline deals, but the replacements for them have filled their shoes well. MIAMI, FL—After trading away Jazz Chisholm Jr., Josh Bell and Bryan De La Cruz last month, who would've thought that the Miami Marlins offense would actually improve? With that trio getting dealt to contenders, Xavier Edwards, Jake Burger and Jonah Bride have found themselves starting regularly at the top of the batting order, and it's gone well for them so far. Edwards, Burger and Bride have played in each of Miami's 22 games since the deadline passed. The team's record is only 7-15, but entering Friday, their wRC+ during that span has been 115, 207 and 154, respectively (100 represents league average). "We needed it from somewhere," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. "We didn't know where we were going to get it from. We knew Burger was going to provide some pop. I didn't know he's going to be on this crazy run...So he's still in a really good spot. X has provided incredible offense at the top. What we didn't know—or I at least didn't know—was what Jonah Bride was going to provide. He's been excellent, and he's been really good defensively as well, so that's been great." Edwards has moved into the leadoff spot previously occupied by Chisholm where he's slashed .319/.404/.436/.840 with one home run, nine RBIs and 15 stolen bases. "I've been comfortable there," said Edwards. "It helps when I've been there for most of my career." Burger, the "veteran" of the group, has been on a tear since the All-Star break. Entering Friday's game, Burger has an OPS of 1.132 with 15 home runs and 22 RBIs. Burger spoke to how fun it's been hitting up there with Edwards and Bride, giving them praise for how productive they've been. "X takes really good at-bats and gets on base and steals a bag," said Burger. "We always have a chance to get a guy in, so having him up top, then obviously, what Jonah Bride is doing has been awesome to see. He rakes and he's finally getting a full run at it. So it's been incredible to kind of have him behind me." As for Bride, he made the Marlins Opening Day roster in wake of the trade that sent Jon Berti to the New York Yankees, but he ultimately spent most of the season's first half with Triple-A Jacksonville. Since his return to the Major Leagues in July, Bride has been on a heater, slashing .276/.376/.459/.835 with five home runs and 18 RBIs. He's putting himself strongly in consideration for a Opening Day spot in 2025. "In this league, when you're playing every single day, it's a grind," said Bride. "You're gonna have some bad days and you're gonna have some good ones. When you're having the good ones, you definitely got to ride that wave. You're always playing for your job, especially with guys like me. Gotta go out there every day and earn every opportunity." Bride has been a sponge, just soaking up as much knowledge as he can, primarily from Burger. He attributes his success to the help that Burger and Edwards have provided him. "I think I just got some confidence," said Bride. "Talking every day with Burger and Edwards, just trying to have that positive energy and going about it in that way that they've told me. I think every day, Burger seems like he's faced all these pitchers, so he's definitely helping give me some intel on what to look for." Prior to the trade deadline, the Marlins offense averaged 3.61 runs per game. Despite losing experienced and talented bats, their average has increased to 4.14 per game post-deadline. On Friday night, Edwards led the game off with a base hit, which he then followed up with his 22nd stolen base of the season. He exited a short time later with lower back discomfort. Bride drove in the Marlins' second run of the ballgame on an RBI single and reached base safely three times overall. Burger went 1-for-5 with a run scored. View full article