A ninth-inning rally gave the Marlins a much-needed win, but it may not be enough to change the organization's deadline strategy. With the playoffs still within reach, Miami appears committed to patience rather than making a major splash.
The Miami Marlins won their first game since July 9, in walk-off fashion, no less.
Yet, was it too little, too late for a team hoping to be buyers come the trade deadline?
After their recent slide, it appears Marlins President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix and General Manager Gabe Kapler have already decided the direction they will go at the deadline.
That direction is to stay the course rather than make a significant move ahead of the trade deadline. According to Craig Mish, that is the approach the organization will take come the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Only a few weeks ago, the narrative surrounding Miami was as buyers at the deadline to make a legitimate push for the playoffs. However, that narrative pivoted quickly after a franchise-record-tying 12 straight losses. Because of it, the Marlins now sit one game below the .500 mark at 53-54, 10.5 games back in the National League East, and 2 games out of the third wild card.
The decision not to make a major move also comes with Miami still within striking distance of the postseason.
“It's not a situation where they cannot get into this thing, into the wild card,” Ken Rosenthal said on “Fair Territory”. “I don't see them adding big at this point.”
The 12-game slide was enough to convince the organization not to buy, but it wasn't enough to push Miami into seller mode at the deadline either. If a trade is made, it likely won't involve any players the organization views as key pieces for the future.
One of the key pieces, Sandy Alcantara, has been the subject of speculation all year that this would be the year he finally moves. But that move won’t be coming, at least for now.
“We have to stop talking about Sandy Alcantara being traded! He's not going to be traded,” Mish said.
Although Alcantara would be one of the more enticing pitchers on the market, and a trade would most likely bring the Marlins a significant return, Rosenthal, like Mish, believes Miami is more likely to keep its former Cy Young winner.
"I don't know that they'll trade Alcantara, who is a favorite of the owner and is under control for another year," Rosenthal said.
While the Marlins are not expected to make any major additions or subtractions before the trade deadline, that doesn't mean Miami won't make a move before the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Aug. 3.
One player who could be on the move is left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett, who has spent most of the season with Jacksonville and made only two starts for Miami.
Another is Connor Norby, who opened the season as the Marlins' starting first baseman. After losing playing time to Kyle Stowers and struggling at the plate, he was optioned to Triple-A. Despite his offensive struggles, Miami could still look for a trading partner for the 26-year-old right-handed hitter.
Pete Fairbanks is another one, on a 1-year, $13 million deal, who could also be on the move according to Mish.
“You have to look at players that are on expiring contracts at the end of this season. A lot of teams are gonna certainly call regardless of the outcome of this season on Pete Fairbanks. He has an expiring contract at the end of the season.”
While Fairbanks has struggled at times this season, posting a 7.18 ERA, he could still help a contender solidify its bullpen for a playoff run.
The next six games were supposed to determine the Marlins' direction for the remainder of the 2026 season. A strong performance should have convinced the organization to buy, while continued struggles should have them selling and focusing on the future.
Instead, the Marlins appear content with the status quo, choosing not to pursue a franchise-altering trade or add a rental player to help the team win now.
