Marlins Notebook: Meyer, Garrett Updates and First Base Plans

This article dives into the latest from the Marlins’ FanFest, spotlighting health updates for key pitchers and some early battles that could shape the 2026 rotation. There’s also a brewing competition at first base. With Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett both navigating their own return timelines—and a trio of first-base contenders—Miami’s front office is sketching out a Spring Training plan that leans hard on depth and upside.

Rotation battles take center stage at Marlins FanFest

Two pitchers grabbed most of the attention as the Marlins gear up for Spring Training and look ahead to 2026. Max Meyer is coming off a June labrum repair and looks set to return as a starter. Braxton Garrett has cleared his elbow issues and wants to slot in behind Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez.

The club feels hopeful but isn’t rushing things. Meyer probably won’t handle a full starter’s workload right out of the gate.

Max Meyer: on-track but limited workload expectations

Meyer, now 26, says he feels normal and has stuck to a standard throwing program while the Marlins plot his return. The plan is to use him as a starter, but coaches have made it clear: don’t expect a heavy workload in 2026, considering his rehab. In his brief big-league stints, Meyer has put up a 5.29 ERA and a 1.97 HR/9 across 127 2/3 innings. He’s given up some hard contact and home runs, which is always a concern, but he’s still young and affordable—a former top-100 prospect the Marlins are eager to see mature, if he can stay healthy and find some consistency.

Braxton Garrett: back from elbow surgery and eyeing a mid-rotation role

Garrett, 28, missed all of 2025 after an internal brace elbow procedure. He’d already dealt with elbow trouble in 2024. Now he’s healthy and back in the mix for a mid-rotation spot behind Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez.

Back in 2022–23, Garrett flashed real promise, posting a 3.63 ERA over 247 2/3 innings and showing a knack for getting grounders and chases. The big question is whether he can hold up for a full season after two years of injuries. He’s got one option year left, so the Marlins can send him to Triple-A if they want him to build confidence or sharpen his command before locking down a big-league role.

First-base competition: a notable spring battleground

Away from the mound, first base is shaping up to be a bit of a wild card for Miami. Manager Clayton McCullough mentioned there’s real competition at the spot, pointing to Christopher Morel, Griffin Conine, and Liam Hicks as options.

Morel and Conine haven’t spent much time at first, so they’re unconventional picks, while Hicks is the only one with real first-base experience and could see some time in a platoon against righties. With Eric Wagaman heading to the Twins, the Marlins might try some platoons or use spring reps to sort out the vacancy and keep their options open for the season.

Spring Training strategy and potential platoons

The team’s Spring Training approach looks focused on testing combinations and getting a real sense of what works defensively. They want to squeeze as much upside as possible from their own guys.

A mix of platoons and regular reps could give Morel, Conine, and Hicks a shot at first base. That also builds some much-needed depth for the season.

Miami’s roster math—like Garrett’s remaining option year and the need to keep Meyer healthy—will affect how hard the Marlins push for a traditional everyday first baseman. Maybe they’ll just roll with a flexible lineup that can shift to match up with opponents early in the year.

• Max Meyer is making progress, but he probably won’t take on a heavy early-season workload.
• Braxton Garrett is healthy now and fighting for a mid-rotation spot after his elbow surgery.
• First-base competition: Morel, Conine, and Hicks. Only Hicks has played first base before, which is… something.
• The Eric Wagaman trade gives them more chances to try platoons or just experiment at first during camp.
• One thing they’re watching closely: balancing depth with keeping arms fresh for the long haul, especially after Alcantara and Pérez.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Marlins Notes: Meyer, Garrett, First Base