Marlins Open Up the Season at Home Against the Rockies

The Miami Marlins return to the diamond this Friday for their first series of the 2026 season. Fresh off of a 79-83 roller-coaster of a year. From trade rumors, to winning streaks, to All-Star appearances, and to losing streaks, the season had it all.

But this season, the energy surrounding the Marlins isn’t as high as it should be, the team is back, with many of the same, young and improving players, while they also added a high-end reliever, and solid back of the line starter.

Total Spending for the Marlins in 2025-26 Free Agency- $21.5M

Pete Fairbanks, $13M

Chris Paddack, $4M

Christopher Morel, $2M

John King, $1.5M

Austin Slater, $1M

Fairbanks had been elite for the Tampa Bay Rays for 5+ seasons recording 90 saves and posting a 3.30 ERA. Fairbanks has been part of winning pitching in 12 playoff games most notably the Rays 2020 World Series run and still has elite advanced metrics. Having a proven closer will be crucial to winning more games in 2026 for the Marlins as it won’t be as much of a revolving door as it has been in years prior.

For Paddack, its more of a depth signing. Since his 2019 rookie campaign, things have gone downhill and he has bounced around the majors. The Spring was a great start for Paddack who posted a 0.69 ERA in 13 innings while striking out 12 and only walking 3. Hopefully in a lower leverage role surrounded by elite arms the Marlins can get a glimpse of what Paddack once was.

Opening Weekend Preview

So, now to this weekend, the Marlins first series, one against the Colorado Rockies, one of the MLB’s worst teams. They went 43-119 last season and there just isn’t much going right there. This season will be another poor one in Colorado, and it’s the perfect opportunity for Miami to start their season off just right.

Game 1: Kyle Freeland Vs. Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins ace looks to continue his success from the second half of last season– posting a 3.33 ERA with .218 batting average against in his final 13 starts– in his 6th career opening day start. Sandy has had solid success as an opening day starter but sits with a 2-3 record. If Alcantara can be the Sandy everyone knows he is, the Marlins will open the season 1-0.

Freeland will be making his 5th opening day start –which tells you a lot about the Rockies– and is a guy that forces action. He performs better away from home but not by much still posting a career ERA over 4.00 away from Coors Field. Freeland has allowed an OPS over .800 to righties in his career so expect the Marlins to role with Heriberto Hernandez and Agustin Ramirez and get to the bullpen early in the weekend, something that will be crucial to a series victory.

Then maybe Marlins fans will get to see Chase Dollander

Games 2: Eury Perez vs Michael Lorenzen

First year back from injury wasn’t the best for Eury Perez, but he still showed glimpses of that wonderful rookie campaign. Despite the struggles his advanced statistics still stood out from the actual numbers. Perez’s year was actual really good posting a 3.23 expected ERA (83rd percentile), a .203 expected batting average against (88th percentile), and had a pitching run value of 9 (73rd percentile). His numbers didn’t look great, but the production was there and once again the Rockies are a perfect team to get the season started off right.

The Marlins once again have the advantage in game 2 and the lineup can surely take advantage of Lorenzen as he pitches to contact and has low-end stuff.

Game 3 Max Meyer vs Jose Quintana

The goal for the Marlins this weekend should be to sweep, they are the better team, they have the better pitcher in each matchup, they have the better bullpen, and they have the better lineup. Game 3 features Max Meyer, another exciting young starter who has struggled with walks in his past. For Meyer, it will be about attacking the Rockies hitters and bring the great Spring he had to fruition. Meyer struck out 12 in 7 innings of work while only walking one.

Just check out the metrics on his pitches https://x.com/TJStats/status/2031806551921496488?s=20

Qunitana is a career journeyman and vet. He will bring some stability to the Rockies staff and can beat you any given night. But as long as the Marlins handle business early in the weekend, the Marlins righties should have a field day against the 37-year-old.

Clayton McCullough will likely throw a few different lineups out there this weekend as the Marlins have the depth to handle any pitching matchup.

With all that, baseball is back, and this is the opening series preview for the Marlins.

Prediction- Series sweep of the Colorado Rockies