Miami Marlins pitcher Eury Pérez has been named a 2026 breakout candidate by The Athletic, with his elite arsenal and improving command pointing toward a frontline role.
The Miami Marlins aren't getting much national attention as they prepare for the 2026 season, but one of their most important arms is gaining traction in the industry.
According to Keith Law of The Athletic, right-hander Eury Pérez has been identified as one of Major League Baseball's top breakout candidates, and it's easy to understand why.
Pérez's career trajectory has always pointed to stardom. Prior to Tommy John surgery, which ended his 2024 season, he was widely regarded as baseball's top pitching prospect.
His elite velocity, devastating changeup, and advanced feel for pitching made him the focal point of Miami's long-term strategy.
When Pérez returned to the mound in June 2025, his early results were mixed -- but encouraging in the most important ways. His raw material not only returned, but possibly improved.
The fastball maintained its high velocity, and his changeup remained a true plus-plus offering, capable of neutralizing both lefties and righties.
What fell short was command, especially with the fastball. That is not unexpected. Pitchers who have undergone UCL reconstruction can often take a year or more to regain their feel and precision.
Pérez had moments of dominance but lacked the consistency to put hitters away efficiently.
This is where the breakout case starts to take shape. If the command catches up -- even marginally -- his profile will shift dramatically from intriguing young arm to legitimate frontline starter.
The Marlins don't expect Pérez to be perfect right away, but they do want him to take the next step.
With Sandy Alcantara back and a rotation that includes developing arms like Max Meyer and newly added depth pieces, Pérez is the ceiling play.
Law's projection is consistent with what Miami has believed internally for years: Pérez possesses the arsenal to anchor a rotation. An A-plus fastball combined with a potential 70-grade changeup provides a foundation that few young pitchers can match. When you add a developing slider, you have everything you need to make a No. 1 or No. 2 starter.
If Pérez improves his command and stays healthy, the Marlins will have one of the most electrifying young pitchers in the game, taking a significant step forward in 2026.
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