Isaac Azout

Tommy Hutton's dear friend and former television partner, Rich Waltz, calls into Hutton's retirement press conference via FaceTime to send his congratulations. View full video

The 2025 season marked a significant step forward for the Miami Marlins. After losing 100 games in 2024, the club improved to 79-83 and remained in playoff contention until the final series of the year. The 17-win jump represented the largest year-to-year improvement in franchise history. The Marlins ranked in the top five among all MLB teams in attendance percentage growth, highlighted by five sellouts—the most in loanDepot park history. Yet even with that uptick, the franchise had the third-lowest overall attendance across MLB. From a business perspective, enticing fans to show up is especially important moving forward as Miami's revenue from local television is projected to decrease after leaving cable behind. Enter new Chief Brand Officer Alex Parker. Upon reviewing extensive fan feedback gathered by the organization, he believes there is room to enhance the in-game and overall ballpark experience. The Marlins initially brought Parker in as a consultant last winter following a 10-year tenure with the Miami Dolphins, where he oversaw digital marketing and sponsorship initiatives. He also played a pivotal role in securing the naming rights agreement for Hard Rock Stadium. Still, Parker says baseball has always been his true passion. Growing up, back when the Marlins and Dolphins shared that venue, he was in the stands as a baseball fan. "We used to get the $3 Fish Tank tickets in the top level—that's where I spent my childhood,” Parker told Fish On First in an exclusive interview. “This brand specifically has meant everything to me for a very long time,” he added. Parker and the Marlins are taking what he describes as a “data-driven, survey-focused” approach to improving the in-game experience at loanDepot park. The overarching goal of the upcoming changes is to place the spotlight squarely on Major League Baseball and the Miami Marlins—where the focus belongs. “I want to make this all about the game and all about the team and its rich history,” Parker added. To help accomplish that, the in-game host and overall entertainment elements will be more toned down, placing a greater emphasis on the action on the field. In short, the baseball will be able to breathe. Billy back on top As Fish On First reported in early February, the Rooster Race at loanDepot park has been discontinued. The mid-game tradition was originally introduced on August 1, 2023, and featured Pepito, Charlie, and Bobby. While the rooster mascots will continue engaging with fans around the ballpark, Parker acknowledged fan feedback suggesting that Billy the Marlin should take center stage instead of being overshadowed. “For me, Billy needs to be the star—and he will remain the star,” Parker said. “We’re going to do a better job of making him the lead mascot, with the roosters not having as prominent a presence this year as they have in years past.” While cheerleaders have traditionally been a staple of football and basketball game presentation, the Marlins introduced the Mermaids, who performed dances on the field and atop the dugout during select game breaks. According to sources, they will no longer continue in that on-field role. However, the Mermaids have been invited to return in a fan-facing capacity, serving as brand ambassadors and remaining an active part of the overall fan experience. A differentiated ballpark playlist Over the past few seasons, it was no secret that the in-game entertainment playlist leaned heavily toward Latin-style rap and reggaeton. While those genres certainly have a place in baseball—especially in Little Havana—many fans voiced their displeasure over the lack of variety. That approach will shift moving forward, Parker told Fish On First. “The playlist will be more differentiated this year,” he said. “You can’t try to be everything for everybody. But for us, you need to differentiate that part of the experience so you’re connecting with a lifestyle audience, a hyper-local audience, fans coming in from Broward, and families alike—there needs to be something that resonates with all of them.” If FanFest was any indication (Parker confirmed that it was), traditional baseball anthems such as "Centerfield" and "Sweet Caroline" could take on a more prominent role. “That lines up with some of the persona work we’ve done and where we see opportunities for growth,” Parker added. On a related note, in years past, the Marlins have collaborated with prominent artists on team-specific anthems. Most recently, “Just Gettin’ Started,” featuring DJ Khaled and Poo Bear was released to usher in a new era under Derek Jeter. Before that, “Marlins Will Soar” went viral, performed by Scott Stapp. Pitbull and Gloria Estefan have also partnered with the organization in the past. However, it appears unlikely the club will pursue another collaboration of that nature in the near future. “For me, it’s about bringing back who we are as an organization and owning our own voice,” Parker noted. “The issue I see with large brands working with major influencers or doing collabs is some of that can come off as inauthentic, or as trying to drive more eyeballs into pockets and audiences, which is where you feel this disconnect.” With an emphasis on authenticity, Parker said any partnership would ideally be baseball-centric and Marlins-oriented. Less gimmicks, more baseball In years past, it often felt as though the action on the field was competing with—and at times, interrupted by—the in-game entertainment. Moving forward, the intent is to reverse that dynamic. Across Major League Baseball, some of the sport’s most respected venues—such as Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and even newer ballparks like Citi Field—prioritize the game itself, with minimal distractions. That appears to be the model the Marlins are aiming to follow. While the in-game host will still address the crowd during select breaks, the focus will shift squarely to the product on the field. Several themed segments and promotions including “Cafecito Time,” the Fruit Roll-Up contest, and the Family Feud-style feature will not return. Opening Day on Friday, March 27, will include a Kyle Stowers bobblehead giveaway, along with postgame fireworks. “Again, we’re trying to make it about baseball and bringing it back to what baseball culture has meant, which is a huge part of our ethos.” View full article

JUPITER, FL—On a beautiful Monday morning in Jupiter, 72 Miami Marlins players (32 non-roster invitees) reported to camp ready to make their mark and build on a very encouraging 2025 season in which the club won 79 games—a 17-win improvement from the year before. Principal owner and chairman Bruce Sherman, standing in front of the newly renovated Jupiter Academy, addressed the media prior to the team’s first full-squad workout. The 2026 season will be the ninth under Sherman’s ownership. “Our expectations are to be extremely competitive and to continue on this path of being successful every single year,” Sherman said. “We measure it by getting to the playoffs consistently, and that will be the standard for our organization and our front office. That’s what the Miami Marlins are going to be all about.” Ownership’s message to players early Monday morning differed from last spring, when patience and development were emphasized. As exciting as the 2025 season was for a team with limited big league experience and modest expectations, this year’s message was clear: it wasn’t enough, and expectations are higher following investments in both payroll and infrastructure. “This investment we made in free agency—four players and over $20 million—was done with extraordinary care by Peter Bendix and his entire staff,” Sherman said. For the first time since 2016–17, the Marlins signed at least four major league free agents in a single offseason. Despite those additions, Miami’s payroll for 2026, according to Roster Resource, is projected to be approximately $73 million, the lowest in Major League Baseball. Sherman feels that he's spending an appropriate percentage of the franchise's revenue, particularly when accounting for the aforementioned facility renovations. “I’m not in this for profit at all. We haven’t taken a nickel out of this in eight years; we just keep putting money in, and ownership is pleased to do that. We want to win. W-I-N. Period.” How do the Marlins plan to compete against division rivals such as the Phillies, Mets, and Braves, whose player payrolls are several times the size? “We don’t care what other teams are doing—we’re trying to beat them,” president of baseball operations Peter Bendix said. That message was reiterated to both established major leaguers and top prospects expected to contribute this season. “We were told to have faith in ourselves and in each other, and that we’re going to prove a lot of people wrong again,” No. 1 prospect Thomas White told Fish On First. “We’re not worried about what other teams are doing. We’re focused on what’s happening in our clubhouse and trying to do something none of us have done before—reach the playoffs.” When asked about the overall goal for the upcoming season, manager Clayton McCullough emphasized development and culture. “Seeing growth across the board from players and coaches,” McCullough said. “We want to create a culture here and a group that puts us in position every year to compete for a championship.” The 34th season of Marlins baseball begins March 27 at home against the Colorado Rockies. Before that, the club opens Grapefruit League play this Saturday in Port St. Lucie against the Mets. View full article

At Marlins Media Day, manager Clayton McCullough speaks with Fish On First about overcoming offseason departures to his pitching staff, Liam Hicks' breakout potential and more. View full video

The second class of the Marlins Legends Hall of Fame introduces two new inductees. At the club’s annual FanFest event at loanDepot park, the Marlins announced that 2003 World Series pitching heroes Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis will have their names enshrined on plaques in the stadium’s museum. The Marlins took their first step toward properly celebrating the franchise’s history by establishing the team’s Hall of Fame last season. “Each year, we’ll celebrate former players, coaches, managers, and staff members for their contributions to not just the Marlins organization, but also our South Florida communities,” the club said. Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman added, “We are proud to create a deserving tribute for legends who have played integral roles in shaping our franchise.” Beckett, arguably the greatest homegrown pitcher in franchise history, spent the first five seasons of his major league career with Florida. He made 106 starts during that span, not including five superb outings during the team’s 2003 championship run. His World Series–clinching Game 6 start was the highlight of an impressive postseason, as he tossed a complete-game shutout against the Joe Torre–led New York Yankees. Willis, affectionately known as “D-Train,” remains a fan favorite. The talented left-hander also spent five seasons with the Marlins, beginning with the championship season in 2003, when he won National League Rookie of the Year honors. During his time in South Florida—the best stretch of his career—Willis made 162 starts, posted a 3.78 ERA, and earned two All-Star selections. The HOF's inaugural class included Luis Castillo, Jeff Conine, Jim Leyland and Jack McKeon. All of them with the exception of Leyland were part of the '03 squad as well. Beckett’s induction ceremony will be on September 6 and Willis’ on September 13. The first 10,000 fans to arrive for each of those games will receive bobbleheads. View full article

At Marlins Media Day, right-hander Sandy Alcantara speaks with Fish On First about being back to full strength—physically and mentally—and tuning out the constant trade rumors. View full video

All Fish On First podcasts are brought to you by Jet Ski Rentals of South Florida—offering Miami’s best jet ski and boat adventures. With six jet ski locations and over 120 boats, there’s something for every style and every budget. They’re reservation-based only. To inquire, call 305-990-2192, or check them out online at SFJetskiRentals.com. With the start of spring training barely a week away, Miami Marlins president of business Caroline O'Connor joins Isaac Azout and Ely Sussman for an exclusive interview. They discuss what to expect from this year's FanFest at loanDepot park, where games wil be televised in 2026, how to boost the franchise's ticket sales, what makes the stadium an ideal host site for the World Baseball Classic and when the Miami Live! entertainment development will finally be ready. You can find Fish Unfiltered and Fish On First LIVE on the Fish On First YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your pods. O'Connor is entering her ninth season with the Marlins, but likely her first without the franchise having a traditional television rights agreement with a regional sports network. Last month, the Marlins terminated their deal with Main Streets Sports Group, the struggling parent company of FanDuel Sports Network Florida. "We are in active conversations with Major League Baseball about getting ready for all the things that we'll kinda shift the model on if we are sort of producer of our games," O'Connor said. "We're talking to people like Kyle (Sielaff), Kelly (Saco) and all of the faces that you guys love to see, making sure that they feel good and they're ready to get out to our fans, regardless of who the broadcasting partner is." "We were so pleased last year with the first time ever of simulcasting the games—we did 15 of our games over the air with our partners at CBS Miami, and that was a great experiment for us," she added. "There'll probably be some aspect of the simulcasting this year as well. We're excited and we'll probably have those plans solidified in the next few weeks here." Previously expected to be operational for next month's WBC, the timetable for Miami Live! has been pushed back. "We'll have some smaller elements like an enhanced stage and some outdoor elements, but the full delivery of it will be in the 2027 season," O'Connor said. "We're hearing great things about it from the fans, from our partners and we really wanna give it a chance to be everything we think it can be and making sure that we get the concepts right and get all of the elements to the right level to make it a first-class experience that we want for our fans." Follow Isaac (@IsaacAzout), Ely (@RealEly and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

ORLANDO, FL—Day 2 of the Winter Meetings is underway in Central Florida. While Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Díaz have received much of the attention, the Marlins are quietly conducting business as well. Here is what Kevin Barral and I are hearing: Free Agency According to industry sources, free-agent reliever Pete Fairbanks is expected to command more than the $11 million option the Tampa Bay Rays declined last month. That price point, sources say, likely takes the Marlins out of the running. Fish On First initially reported the club’s interest in the 31-year-old closer, who overlapped with president of baseball operations Peter Bendix while they were both with the Rays. Another name Miami remains interested in is submariner Tyler Rogers, though he is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald previously linked the Fish to Rogers. Trade Market The Marlins front office continues to hold longtime ace Sandy Alcantara in extremely high regard. The team will not trade its longest-tenured player unless it receives an overwhelming offer, and even then, ownership would have to be persuaded to finalize a deal. All indications are that the Dominican flamethrower, who recently accepted an invitation to pitch for his country in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, is lined up to take the ball on Opening Day, now set for March 27 at 7:10 p.m. Starters Ryan Weathers and Edward Cabrera continue to draw strong interest on the trade market, sources tell Fish On First. While not impossible, it's deemed highly unlikely that Miami would trade both starters. The one player on the 40-man roster who the Marlins will not entertain offers for is Eury Pérez. Extensions According to a source, there is mutual interest in a potential extension for Jakob Marsee. While Fish On First has confirmed that no formal offer has been made, discussions have taken place, and the two sides are expected to meet in the weeks following the Winter Meetings. In 55 games as a rookie, Marsee slashed .292/.363/.478 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases. He was the Marlins' most valuable player during that span with 2.2 fWAR. Poached coaches! As reported Monday afternoon, Alon Leichman—who served as Miami’s assistant pitching coach in 2025—has been hired by the Colorado Rockies as their head pitching coach. Leichman is the fourth member of last season's coaching staff to earn an elevated role with another organization, a trend that speaks highly of Miami’s ability to identify coaching talent. The Marlins are now searching for Leichman’s replacement. Peter Bendix, general manager Gabe Kapler, manager Clayton McCullough, director of pitching Bill Hezel, and pitching coach Daniel Moskos are all heavily involved in the hiring process, sources tell Fish On First. The Marlins have hired Blake Butler to be their new infield coach, sources told Fish On First on Monday. Butler replaces Tyler Smarslok, who previously held the position for Miami before joining the Washington Nationals. View full article

The Miami Marlins engaged the representatives of right-handed phenom Eury Pérez regarding a potential contract extension during the spring of 2025, sources tell Fish On First, though talks failed to progress beyond the initial stages. The gap between the two sides was approximately $15 million in guaranteed money at the time. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was first to mention early Wednesday morning that these talks took place. The Dominican flamethrower possesses a rare combination of size, command, fastball quality, and youth. He made his major league debut on May 12, 2023. In 19 starts as a rookie, Pérez posted a 3.15 ERA with 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings. His season was interrupted in July by an unpopular demotion to Triple-A due to a predetermined innings limit. He was recalled a month later and eventually finished the year on the injured list with left SI joint inflammation. In spring training 2024, Pérez first dealt with a fingernail issue, then began experiencing elbow discomfort. He opened the season on the injured list and later underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. He returned to MLB in June 2025 and recorded a 4.25 ERA over 95 ⅓ innings. He will still be just 22 years old on Opening Day 2026. "We're always going to have those conversations. We have a bunch of really good players," president of baseball operations Peter Bendix this offseason said in relation to making extensions. Conveniently Pérez is represented by Adriel Reyes of CAA—the same agent who negotiated Sandy Alcantara’s extension, the only long-term deal completed during the Bruce Sherman era. Knowledge of these past talks comes on the heels of reporting that the Marlins are also interested in securing All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers on a team-friendly deal. However, Pérez, outfielder Jakob Marsee and catcher Joe Mack profile as far more likely extension candidates. Relevant recent extensions signed by other young starting pitchers include Brayan Bello’s six-year, $55 million deal with Boston in 2024 and Spencer Strider’s six-year, $75 million contract with Atlanta in 2022. I expect Miami to be offering Pérez something in between should they rekindle negotiations this winter. Fish On Fist founder Ely Sussman projected a five-year, $60 million pact in his Marlins offseason blueprint. View full article

In their 33-year history, the Florida/Miami Marlins have produced four National League Rookie of the Year winners—all between 2003 and 2013. Dontrelle Willis claimed the franchise’s first in 2003, followed by rising star Hanley Ramírez in 2006. Three years later, outfielder Chris Coghlan took home the award after hitting .321. The most recent winner was the late José Fernández, who earned 95% of first-place votes following his dominant debut season in 2013. Several Marlins have appeared on NL ROY ballots since Fernández, including Justin Bour (2015), Brian Anderson (2018), Sixto Sánchez (2020) and Eury Pérez (2023). Three different Marlins—Agustín Ramírez, Jakob Marsee and Heriberto Hernández—received votes in 2025, though none of them placed higher than sixth. The closest that the club has come to producing another winner was in 2021, when Trevor Rogers finished second to Jonathan India. All 30 award voters had Rogers on their ballots, but he received only one first-place vote. It’s now been 12 seasons since a Marlin has captured the honor. The 2026 campaign could change that. Several top prospects with impressive track records at the upper minor league levels are expected to debut and will have ample opportunity to make their case. Here are four Marlins who could contend for the next NL Rookie of the Year award. LHP Robby Snelling The 39th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Snelling has developed into one of the premier left-handed pitching prospects in baseball. Along with prospects Adam Mazur, Graham Pauley, and Jay Beshears, he was acquired from the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitchers Bryan Hoeing and Tanner Scott at the 2024 trade deadline. That year proved challenging for Snelling—he went 4-10 with a 5.15 ERA across 24 starts. His 2025 season, however, told a completely different story. Across 25 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, Snelling posted a 9–7 record with a 2.85 ERA, striking out 166 batters in 136 innings (11.0 K/9) while holding opponents to a .222 average. His most dominant stretch came from August 7 to September 17, when he went 5–1 with a 0.86 ERA over 42 innings and struck out 58 hitters. Fish On First’s No. 3 prospect is expected to debut early in the 2026 season (most likely during the month of May), giving him a long runway to contend for National League Rookie of the Year honors. With a fastball that sits 93–96 mph, impeccable command, and a 60-grade curveball, Snelling offers both polish and upside. The 6'3" southpaw will play the entire season at just 22 years old. Expect him to become a mainstay in Miami’s rotation shortly. C Joe Mack Joe Mack has put together back-to-back excellent all-around seasons in the upper minors at a premium defensive position and appears all but big league-ready. In 112 games across Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, Mack slashed .257/.338/.475 with 21 home runs while providing elite defense behind the plate nearly every day. Fish On First ranks him as the No. 2 prospect in the system. For the first time in recent memory, the Marlins actually possess solid depth at catcher. Agustín Ramírez, who led this year's NL rookies in both hits and homers, is expected to enter 2026 as the primary option. Rule 5 selection Liam Hicks could also push for a roster spot after a promising rookie campaign. By early May, Marlins fans could see a tandem of Ramírez and Mack anchoring Miami’s catching corps for both the season and perhaps the decade, giving Mack plenty of opportunity to put himself in the NL ROY race. LHP Thomas White Thomas White is widely regarded as the best left-handed pitching prospect in all of Minor League Baseball. The only reason he’s No. 3 on this list is because the 21-year-old likely won’t be a call-up candidate until at least midway through the 2026 season. Standing 6-foot-5, White features a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and reaches 100 mph, complemented by a diabolical sweeper and a devastating changeup. The consensus No. 1 prospect in the Marlins system, White has dominated at every level since being drafted 35th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. In 45 career minor league games, he’s recorded a 2.65 ERA over 190 innings, allowing just 146 hits while striking out 272 batters. White helped Low-A Jupiter capture its first Florida State League title in 2023, then earned Midwest Prospect of the Year honors and an invitation to the All-Star Futures Game during his first full professional season in 2024, then again in 2025. To go along with the jump in velocity and movement on his pitches, however, White’s command took a step back this season, as he walked more than five batters per nine innings. He also spent part of the season working on the shape of a new cutter, which may have contributed to his control inconsistencies. Once he reaches the big leagues in 2026, White has the chance to get off to a José Fernández-type start to his career that could be enough to earn him the franchise’s fifth Rookie of the Year award. OF Kemp Alderman The power-hitting outfielder was selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Despite a relatively slow finish, 2025 was a breakout season for the 23-year-old, who became one of the biggest risers in the Marlins’ system. In 130 games across Double-A and Triple-A, the right-handed slugger slashed .285/.338/.482 and led all Marlins minor leaguers with 22 home runs. Alderman has also continued to make strides in plate discipline, trimming his strikeout rate to a near league-average 23%. He’s expected to be a non-roster invitee to big league spring training in 2026 and is on track to make his MLB debut at some point during the regular season. Given that Miami projects to open the year with a left-handed-heavy outfield group—featuring Kyle Stowers, Jakob Marsee, and Griffin Conine—Alderman could find an opportunity sooner rather than later. If he carries his 2025 success into the majors, he has an outside shot to log enough playing time to insert himself into the Rookie of the Year conversation. View full article

From Locked On Marlins, Isaac Azout joins Jeremiah Geiger to discuss how Connor Norby and Graham Pauley could fit in Miami's future plans. View full video

Fish On First has obtained clips of all 154 home runs hit by the Miami Marlins during the 2025 regular season and put them in chronological order. Enjoy! This team's offensive output was a group effort. The Marlins got long balls from 22 different hitters, tying a franchise single-season record. Kyle Stowers (25 HR) led the way, followed by Agustín Ramírez (21), Otto Lopez (15), Heriberto Hernández (10) and Jesús Sánchez (10). Entering the 2025-26 offseason, players responsible for 85.7% of the home runs are still with the Marlins organization. View full article