The Miami Marlins’ rotation depth is emerging as a strength, with Braxton Garrett and Janson Junk competing for the final spot.
The Miami Marlins entered spring training with questions about their rotation depth.
Now, just days before Opening Day, that same group is starting to look like one of the team’s most underrated strengths.
At the top, there is no mystery. Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, Max Meyer, and Chris Paddack give Miami a mix of ace-level talent, breakout potential, and innings stability.
Alcantara remains the anchor, Pérez has already been labeled a breakout candidate, Meyer brings high-end stuff, and Paddack adds durability to a group that needed it.
But the real story is what is happening behind them.
The battle between lefty Braxton Garrett and righty Janson Junk for the fifth rotation spot has created something the Marlins have not consistently had in recent years: legitimate depth.
Instead of scrambling to fill innings, Miami now has multiple viable options who can contribute.
Interestingly, fan sentiment appears to lean in one direction. A recent MLB Trade Rumors poll showed that 51% of voters (759 votes) believe Garrett will ultimately secure the final rotation spot, compared to 34% (511 votes) for Junk.
While Robby Snelling also received votes, he has already been reassigned to minor league camp, effectively making this a two-man race.
Garrett, despite his 6.75 spring ERA, still offers value with his command, pitch mix, and track record as a starter when healthy.
Coming off elbow surgery, it may simply be a matter of timing before he returns to form.
Junk, meanwhile, has forced his way into the conversation by being stretched out as a starter late in camp, giving the Marlins a potential in-form alternative.
For a team that dealt with injuries and inconsistency on the mound last season, having multiple pitchers capable of stepping into a starting role is not just a luxury -- it is a necessity.
The Marlins are no longer relying on a single outcome. They have built in flexibility.
This also reflects a broader organizational shift. Miami appears more willing to prioritize performance and adaptability over locking in roles too early.
That approach allows them to ride the hot hand while still keeping long-term options open.
The result is a rotation that feels deeper than expected. And if even one or two of these arms exceed expectations, the Marlins could quietly turn what was once a concern into a competitive advantage.
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