A Look at Griffin Conine's Breakout Season for the Marlins

For Griffin Conine, the Miami Marlins seem like a perfect fit, considering his father is one of the most respected and storied names in franchise history.

But the 29-year-old offspring of Jeff Conine is carving out his own legacy with the ball club after six years spent in the minors, fighting for his opportunity. He may have a famous surname, but that's never guaranteed the lefthanded hitting outfielder anything; he's earned his way to where he is now.

That 'now' included a breakthrough 2026 campaign in which the younger Conine hit .264 this season, with 19 home runs, 43 RBI, and an .843 OPS in 94 games. His homer and ribbie totals were career highs for the outfielder, and he's certainly figured in as a member of the roster right from the start of Spring Training. He will be a major contributor in any playoff push the team makes next season as he continues to develop his skills, albeit a little older than most prospects do.

Conine was hit with a combination of injuries and inconsistency in his climb to the bigs. Conine’s development has been slowed by a series of maladies and interruptions that cost him valuable playing time. After being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018, he served a 50-game suspension in 2019 following a positive test for a banned stimulant.

The COVID-19 pandemic would then wipe out the entire 2020 minor-league season, so Conine missed time at a critical stage of his pro progress. He was subsequently acquired by the Fish as the player to be named later as the final piece in Miami's trade of infielder Jonathan Villar to the Jays.

He returned to action in 2021 and worked his way through the Marlins’ system, finally receiving a call-up on August 24 of that year. However, Conine was out of action in early 2025 due to a dislocated left shoulder. The injury required season-ending surgery and kept him off the field for roughly five months. Just as he was attempting to establish himself, another major setback arrived in April 2026, when he tore his left hamstring

Of course, Griffin can't go anywhere around loanDepot Park without being reminded of his Dad. One of his teammates, Sandy Alcantara, just won an award actually named for the elder Conine. 

While many may see that as an albatross, it really isn't. And it's certainly no product of nepotism. The Conine has embraced their unique legacy in the history of Miami baseball. And it's one that Griffin Conine will continue to build upon in 2027.