The Miami Marlins are evaluating Braxton Garrett and Janson Junk for the fifth rotation spot as Garrett works back from elbow surgery.
The Miami Marlins’ rotation appeared relatively settled just a few weeks ago, but a new development has created some uncertainty.
According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, the fifth spot in the Marlins’ rotation is now up for grabs, with Braxton Garrett facing real competition from Janson Junk as spring training winds down.
Garrett entered camp as the presumed favorite for that role, especially given his track record as a reliable starter when healthy. But his return from December 2024 elbow surgery has not gone smoothly so far. He currently holds a 6.75 ERA this spring, and while spring numbers are not always predictive, they have opened the door for the Marlins to at least consider alternatives.
That alternative appears to be Junk.
Miami has been building Junk up as a starter, and Jackson reported that he is expected to get another opportunity before camp ends. That alone signals this is more than just depth planning -- it is a legitimate competition. The Marlins are not simply handing Garrett the job based on past performance.
At the top of the rotation, there are no questions. Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, Chris Paddack, and Max Meyer are locked in as Miami’s primary four. But that final spot is important, especially for a team that dealt with injuries and inconsistent rotation depth last season.
For Garrett, this is less about long-term value and more about timing. His Statcast profile and past production suggest he can still be a useful major-league starter, particularly with his command and ability to mix pitches. But coming off surgery, he may simply need more time to get back to full effectiveness.
That is where Junk becomes a factor. If he can provide steadier results in the short term, the Marlins could opt for the safer, in-form option to begin the season.
Ultimately, this battle may not define Garrett’s role for the entire year. But it does highlight one thing: the Marlins are prioritizing performance over projection, even when it comes to a pitcher they still believe in long term.
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