Get ready for an exciting spring training with the Miami Marlins in 2026! We've got five players under the microscope, each with their own unique story and potential for growth. From debutants to prospects, these players will be fighting for their place in the team and aiming to make an impact.
Ryan Gusto: The Fastball Specialist
Ryan Gusto, a late bloomer, made his MLB debut with the Astros and then joined the Marlins. His performance was average at best, but his true potential lies in his pitching arsenal. Gusto's four-seam fastball is his secret weapon, sitting at a solid 94 mph, but he needs to diversify his pitches. With a potential increase in velocity and the development of a gyro slider, Gusto could become a force to be reckoned with. It's time for him to step up and secure his rotation spot!
Liam Hicks: The Underdog Catcher
Liam Hicks, a Rule 5 pick, proved his worth in his rookie season with the Marlins. However, he now faces a tough competition in one of MLB's most competitive catching rooms. With top prospects breathing down his neck, Hicks must improve both offensively and defensively to keep his roster spot. His strengths lie in his bat control and plate discipline, but he needs to increase his power output and work on his defensive flaws, especially his pop time. A focused off-season could see Hicks emerge as a breakout star, showcasing his all-around catching abilities.
Josh Simpson: The Magic Under the Hood
Josh Simpson, a player with a divided fan perception, has the potential to surprise. Despite his high ERA, Simpson's underlying stats reveal a different story. His sweeper pitch is exceptional, with a low xSLG and a high whiff rate. To succeed in the MLB, Simpson needs to reduce his walk rate and focus on throwing his best pitches for strikes. By ditching the sinker and committing to the four-seam, he can unlock his true potential and become a breakout star this season.
Maximo Acosta: The Bendix Trade Acquisition
Maximo Acosta, acquired in the JakeBurger trade, showed glimpses of his talent last season. While his batting was disappointing, his defensive skills at shortstop and third base were impressive. Acosta needs to be more aggressive at the plate and develop his strength to fully utilize his gap-to-gap contact style. With above-average contact metrics, he has the tools to become a regular in the big leagues. Despite some writing him off, Acosta has the potential to cement his role as an everyday infielder.
Noble Meyer: The Volatile High School Pitcher
Noble Meyer, the Marlins' first-round pick in 2023, was once seen as the next big pitching prospect. However, his progress has stalled since reaching A+. But there's a glimmer of hope! In a recent video, Meyer threw a pitch clocked at an impressive 98.6 mph, with experts predicting a velocity increase this year. Despite not being invited to major league spring training, Meyer's potential is undeniable, and we eagerly await his return to the field in April.
