The Miami Marlins enter the second half in third place in the National League East, with Sandy Alcantara’s rebound and the club’s potential Trade Deadline strategy among the team’s leading storylines.
Miami reached the All-Star break with a 44-51 record after going 19-10 from June 13 through the break. That stretch produced the third-best winning percentage in the Majors during that span, while the Marlins also recorded their longest winning streak since 2008 and a franchise record for consecutive road victories.
“A really outstanding way to finish,” manager Clayton McCullough said following the first-half finale in Baltimore on Sunday. “We feel like we’ve been on a good run here, and nice for us to get into the break with a really good feeling.”
Miami Marlins seek more future building blocks
The Marlins’ primary second-half goal is to see more players emerge as impactful pieces for the future. Catcher/designated hitter Agustin Ramirez and All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers established themselves in that role during the first half, and Miami will look for additional players to step forward.
Because the roster is young, most of the players will experience the grind of their first full Major League season. Deyvison De Los Santos is one player to watch as the Marlins evaluate their future. The first baseman/third baseman is Miami’s No. 11 prospect and was the Minor League home run champion last season.
De Los Santos has not matched last season’s power numbers, but he has improved his strikeout and walk rates and increased his hard-hit percentage this season. Those developments make him part of the Marlins’ second-half evaluation as the club looks for more potential building blocks.
Trade Deadline strategy could bring Marlins decisions
Miami is likely to be a seller at the Trade Deadline, although the organization does not need to make trades unless the returns are appealing. Every player on the roster except veteran right-hander Cal Quantrill is under club control beyond the 2025 season, giving the Marlins flexibility in weighing potential moves.
Right-handers Edward Cabrera, Sandy Alcantara and Anthony Bender have been subjects of trade rumors. Cabrera recently underwent an MRI, while Alcantara’s situation will remain a central part of the team’s evaluation. The Marlins could choose to make deals, but the source indicates that the returns would need to appeal to the organization.
Sandy Alcantara looks to regain form
Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, had a 7.22 ERA after throwing at least 90 innings. That was the highest ERA among Major League pitchers in that group, making his performance one of Miami’s most significant second-half questions.
The 29-year-old right-hander is returning from Tommy John surgery and has not looked like himself since coming back. His command has been spotty, and his pitch usage has varied. The All-Star break provided a pause before Alcantara’s rebound effort became one of the Marlins’ main on-field storylines.
Other storylines include right-hander Eury Perez’s continued progression in his return from Tommy John surgery and Agustin Ramirez’s consideration for National League Rookie of the Year.
Miami Marlins schedule after the All-Star break
The Marlins had 67 games remaining after the All-Star break, including 34 at home and 33 on the road. Their remaining strength of schedule was .506, which ranked 13th in MLB, sixth in the National League and third in the National League East.
- Aug. 1-3: The Miami Marlins were scheduled to host the New York Yankees, who feature Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton.
- Aug. 7-10: Miami’s three-city road trip was scheduled to begin with a five-game series in Atlanta.
- Sept. 26-28: The regular season was scheduled to conclude with a home series against the New York Mets, who could be competing for the National League East title.
Source: Original report