Miami Marlins Sign Chris Paddack to Bolster 2026 Rotation

The Miami Marlins just signed veteran right-hander Chris Paddack to a one-year, $4 million guaranteed deal. He could earn up to $500,000 more in performance bonuses.

Miami needs to open a 40-man roster spot for Paddack once the deal becomes official. This move shows the Marlins want experienced depth without locking themselves in long-term.

Paddack, a Boras Corporation client, returns to the team that originally drafted him back in 2015. He’s bounced around with the Padres, Twins, and Tigers since then.

Let’s look at what this move means for Miami, and how Paddack’s injury history and contract fit into the team’s payroll approach.

Contract Details and Financials

Understanding the money here helps explain why Miami made this move. $4 million isn’t much by MLB standards, but those bonuses could pay off if Paddack bounces back.

The 40-man roster spot matters too, especially with Miami juggling a packed bullpen and some rotation questions.

Guaranteed money and performance bonuses

• One-year, $4 million guaranteed, plus up to $500,000 in performance bonuses.
• The structure gives Miami immediate pitching depth without a long-term tie.
• Chris Paddack is a Boras client, which can affect negotiations and how other teams see the deal.

Roster considerations

Miami needs to clear a 40-man roster spot for Paddack, a pretty standard move when adding a pitcher with big-league experience. The Marlins keep chasing flexibility and cost control, trying to get reliable innings without breaking the bank.

Impact on Miami’s Rotation

Paddack will compete for the fifth starter job, sitting behind Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez. The depth chart’s crowded but far from settled.

There’s also Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett in the mix, though both have dealt with health issues lately. Miami’s trying to strengthen the rotation but still keep things flexible after making some big trades this winter.

Contenders for the fifth rotation spot

• Chris Paddack — brings veteran poise and could eat innings if he stays healthy
• Max Meyer — top prospect, but recent surgeries might slow his return
• Braxton Garrett — has big-league starts under his belt and might win a spot or end up as a swingman

Paddack’s Career Arc and What He Brings

Chris Paddack once looked like a top prospect, but two Tommy John surgeries and a 2024 forearm strain set him back. Last season, he put up a 5.35 ERA in 33 games, gave up 94 earned runs, and saw his strikeout numbers dip.

His fastball averaged about 93.7 mph in 2025, but hitters started to figure out his changeup (.263 average, .491 slugging against). Still, he’s always had great control—he’s never walked more than 6% of batters in a season.

Paddack’s a calculated gamble for Miami. He could give them reliable innings if he’s healthy, and his short-term contract keeps the payroll lean.

The Marlins hope their young arms, boosted by recent trades, step up too. If Paddack finds his rhythm again, he might hold down the fifth starter spot and add a steady veteran voice to a rotation full of both stars and up-and-comers.

Payroll and Long-Term Strategy

With this signing, Miami’s estimated payroll jumps to about $72 million. That’s still one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.

The move fits the club’s usual offseason style. They focus on cost-controlled players, bring in experienced arms for depth, and try to keep their options open for whatever comes next.

It reminds me a bit of last year’s late signing of Cal Quantrill. The Marlins seem to chase value-driven deals, not those big commitments to pitchers past their prime.

As the season gets closer, Miami will keep an eye on the mix between proven rotation depth and the potential of their younger pitchers. They want to squeeze out as many quality innings as possible—without letting payroll balloon out of control.

 
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