After injury and a difficult season, Ryan Weathers aims for a powerful return for the Miami Marlins, with improved numbers and a new contract fueling his comeback.
The Miami Marlins are looking to take a step forward in the development process after a 79-83 season and falling short of the playoffs. And there's a lot to be optimistic about.
Left-fielder Kyle Stowers was named to his first All-Star game, and in 117 games last season had 399 at-bats, 115 hits, 73 runs batted in and 25 home runs, including a couple of grand slams. In his first year in Miami after the Marlins picked him up from the Baltimore Orioles, Stowers recorded a batting average of .288 and a WAR of 3.6. The 28-year-old showed outstanding production in the portion of the season he dressed, only playing for a month after the All-Star break due to an oblique injury.
The team also saw great development in second baseman Otto Lopez, shortstop Xavier Edwards, and catcher Agustin Ramirez, who finished fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
However, one area the Marlins struggled with throughout the season was pitching, which ranked well below average in multiple categories: they finished 25th in ERA with 4.60; 22nd in strikeouts with 1,294; 22nd in hits allowed (1,376); 26th in runs (798); and 21st in home runs with 199.
There's a chance these lowly stats could turn around in 2026, despite the Marlins trading starting right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
One highlight is Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara's self-discovery. After returning from Tommy John surgery, the two-time All-Star struggled through the first half of the season. However, after the All-Star break, the 30-year-old proved he's still got it, appearing in 13 games, with 83.2 innings pitched, and recording an ERA of 3.33, 885 strikes, 71 strikeouts, and finishing with an individual record of 7-3. Despite trade rumors over the last couple of years, the Marlins still believe in Alcantara.
The Marlins could see another resurgence from within with starting left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers. He was barely on the mound last season after being placed on the 60-day injury list in early June. The ruling was a left lat strain, but in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, the 26-year-old was hit in the head by a baseball during warmups. Weathers appeared in five games before being taken off the diamond, recording just 18 innings pitched, an ERA of 3.28, 258 strikes, and 23 strikeouts.
It was a difficult loss for the Marlins as the former first-round pick was coming off a spectacular year. He appeared in 16 games, 86.2 innings pitched, an ERA of 3.63, 80 strikeouts, and a WAR of 2.1 in his first complete season with the organization after being traded from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Garrett Cooper and Sean Reynolds.
It's been reported that the Marlins and Weathers agreed upon a $1.35 million contract, avoiding arbitration, and a massive pay increase from the previous year. He's set to be a full participant in spring training and will have an opportunity to remain a starter, especially with Edwards officially out of the mix.
Weathers can help bulk up the Marlins' bullpen, which could result in the team being dark-horse contenders in the National League.
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