The Miami Marlins’ final bullpen decisions could shape the start of the 2026 season, with Andrew Nardi and other relievers battling for key opening-day roles.
At the end of spring training, much of the talk about the Miami Marlins revolved around injuries, roster surprises, and how the opening-day lineup would look. However, one of the most important stories on the roster could have been sitting in the bullpen all along.
The Marlins entered the final stretch of camp with stiff competition for the last few relief spots, and according to Fish On First's Kevin Barral that battle had become crowded. Cade Gibson, Andrew Nardi, Michael Petersen, Lake Bachar, and Tyler Zuber were among the candidates vying for those positions, each offering something unique in line with what the club valued most.
That's what made the decision so significant.
For a team like Miami, bullpen depth means more than just filling innings in blowouts.
It's about protecting a rotation early in the season, surviving close games, and giving the manager options when a starter leaves in the fifth or sixth inning.
According to MLB.com's Christina De Nicola, Bachar, Tyler Phillips, and Petersen were prepared to cover multiple innings, providing the Marlins with some depth behind the rotation. Meanwhile, high-leverage arms like Pete Fairbanks, Anthony Bender, and Calvin Faucher are expected to fill shorter, more specialized roles.
Andrew Nardi emerged as one of the most appealing names in the competition.
Following a lengthy layoff due to back issues, he impressed enough this spring to earn a roster spot over Gibson, according to MLB.com.
This isn't just a happy comeback story. Nardi gives the Marlins another left-handed option, which is important on a team that requires more balance.
He also spoke this weekend about his excitement after joining the club, demonstrating how meaningful the moment was after such a long journey back.
The Marlins' bullpen was never going to get as much attention as the lineup drama or injury news. However, these final decisions may reveal more about the club's early-season winning strategy than almost anything else on the roster.
Opening-day bullpen battles are more than just who gets the final chair. They are about who Clayton McCullough trusts when the game begins to slip in the sixth inning. Miami's trust could shape the first few weeks of the season.
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