Summer has ended and October has arrived. As leaves start to fall, the proverbial final leaf has unfortunately fallen on the Marlins’ 2025 season. But although they are not participating in the playoffs, the dog days of summer were not nearly as arduous as some expected them to be for Miami and Marlins fans. The team stayed competitive until the very end.
We surveyed our staff as well as our SuperSubs regarding who and what excited them most within this year, the 33rd season in franchise history. Each staffer and SuperSub vote was weighted equally. Below are the winners of the 2025 FOF Awards.
Hitter of the Year: OF Kyle Stowers (90.6%)
“A team long in-need of a reliable long-ball hitter finally has one. Much like the Marlins writ large, Kyle Stowers far surpassed all measurable expectations. That he ended his season in the statistical company of NL East powerhouse hitters Kyle Schwarber, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso suggests Stowers might have reached offensive heights similar to theirs if not for injury.” — Alec Chao (@xiaochi_chao)
Part of a midseason trade in 2024 that sent Trevor Rogers to the Baltimore Orioles, Stowers stepped into his first full major league season in 2025 with something to prove after he struggled mightily in his first 50 games with the Marlins. From the very start of the season, Stowers was an offensive force. In March and April, he slashed .323/.396/.510. On the final day of that span, he slammed two home runs, one of his three multi-home run games of the season. As the season progressed, Stowers didn’t slow down much. He was front and center for some of the team’s biggest moments, including two walk-off home runs.
The only variable that was able to slow Stowers was an oblique injury that cost him the final quarter of the season. Despite that, Stowers collected 3.6 bWAR, making him the ninth outfielder in franchise history to record that feat in a single season. Some of the names he joined: Sheffield, Floyd, Stanton and Yelich. Stowers accomplished the feat in 117 games, a feat only bested by Stanton in 2015 (74 games). The Marlins’ All-Star representative was third-best among NL outfielders with a 149 wRC+ (min. 200 PAs).
Stowers broke out in a big way, proving his prospect pedigree was no fluke. Not yet arbitration eligible, the 27-year-old should be a mainstay in the Marlins’ lineup as their competitive window fully opens.
Pitcher of the Year: RHP Edward Cabrera (59.4%)
“It finally feels like he’s got the walks under control to go along with his arsenal that has teased Marlins fans for so long.” —Casey Marika (@CaseyMarika)
Since he was signed as an international free agent in 2015, Cabrera’s potential stemming from good size and fantastic stuff has never been questioned. Unfortunately, in multiple ways, his consistency has always been an issue. Whether it be in his ability to stay in the strike zone or in his ability to stay on the field, Cabrera has struggled mightily. However, through several different regime changes dating all the way back to Dan Jennings sitting in the GM seat, the Marlins have remained committed to harnessing his talent. Finally, in 2025, Cabrera’s on-field output validated their patience.
Things started rocky for Cabrera in April. Through his first five starts, Cabrera had a 6.29 ERA (4.90 FIP) via a 24/12 K/BB. On May 10, though, Cabrera began to settle in. He didn’t dazzle with strikeouts that day, but rather lived inside the strike zone, challenging hitters with stuff that channeled Kenny DeNunez and simply said, “here it is, I dare you to hit it.” Forty-nine of Cabrera’s 79 pitches landed inside the zone.
This would become a theme for Cabrera for the rest of the season. And it worked to his advantage. Over his next 10 starts before the All-Star break, Cabrera held down a 2.54 ERA (3.04 FIP) in 52 innings. His overall zone percentage over that span was 50.8 and he garnered swings on 60.1% of those pitches. His swinging strike percentage was 13.8%. In the second half, Cabrera ticked up even more. With his zone percentage hovering right at 50%, Cabrera garnered a 14% whiff rate over his final 55 ⅔, allotting him a 3.42 ERA and 64/18 K/BB. Overall, Cabrera threw 50.7% of his pitches in the strike zone, up more than 4% from 2024. Being more in the strike zone especially early in counts meant more protective hitters which equated to more chase. His CSW% jumped from 27.7% to 30.7% and his whiff rate from 11.9% to 12.6%.
Seemingly the biggest catalyst for Cabrera’s success was a retooled arsenal. He de-emphasized his four-seam fastball in favor of his two-seamer, which he used 20.6% of the time. Immediately, the Cabrera sinker was a huge difference-maker. He could theoretically throw the pitch for strikes whenever he needed to. It landed in the zone 63.7% of the time. Secondly, Cabrera incorporated a slider which he threw at a 17.3% rate. It was more of a change-of-pace offering, but it gave hitters more to think about than just his patented fastball/changeup combo from years past. Overall, Cabrera was much less reliant on his highest-effort pitch, his changeup—his usage of it dropped from 33% to 26%.
It is a credit to Cabrera for remaining coachable through a wide variety and long bouts of previous adversity. This newest version looked fearsome to opposing batters.
Cabrera did face more challenges in 2025 in terms of his health. He missed time on two separate occasions; once at the start of the season due to a blister he incurred during spring training, and most of September was lost due to a right elbow sprain. The 27-year-old remains under club control for three more seasons. His solid 2025 is projected to garner him $3.7 million in arbitration.
Rookie of the Year: OF Jakob Marsee (59.4%)
“With how many league-wide statistical droughts he ended—how many Marlins franchise records he matched—in his first 13 games, Jakob Marsee easily earned Marlins Rookie of the Year honors in his first two weeks as a major leaguer. Notwithstanding his stellar offensive numbers, Marsee’s early defensive showings in CF similarly breed confidence in his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball in his first full-season in 2026.” —Alec Chao (@xiaochi_chao)
Thought to be a relatively minor piece at the time he was traded to the Marlins at the deadline last season, Marsee has become a legitimate building block.
A sixth-round selection by San Diego in 2022, Marsee flew threw the minors with both of his organizations, making in to Triple A with the Marlins last season. Wherever he’s played, Marsee has always shown a great eye at the plate. Coming into this season, his career OBP sat at .373. In a more extended look against the most advanced pitching the minor leagues have to offer this year, Marsee not only kept that trend going, posting a .379 OBP courtesy of a 15.9% walk rate. He struck out a lowly 18.9% of the time, the best marker he’s posted since 2023 at High-A.
Marsee didn’t stop at collecting a single base after dropping the bat. As a Jumbo Shrimp, the 6’, 180-pounder touched them all 14 times. Even more impressive was the plus speed Marsee exhibited, showing the ability to turn anything into at least a double. Despite spending just 98 games in Jacksonville, his 47 stolen bases led the team and the International League.
After the trade of Jesús Sánchez to Houston, Marsee immediately filled the void. The Marlins promoted Marsee to the majors on August 1 following a minor league career that lasted just 395 games. In his first MLB game, Marsee put in summation exactly what he can provide—he doubled, walked three times, and scored two runs in a thrilling Marlins win. Overall, in 55 games, Marsee slashed a very impressive .292/.363/.478 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases.
A supremely patient hitter with a great approach, Marsee waits out opposing pitchers and forces them into the strike zone, allowing him to make up for average bat speed. His quiet setup from the back of the batters box allows him to let the ball get deep after which he can spray it to all fields. Marsee has consistently found success against fellow lefties, including a .324/.370/.554 MLB slash line in nearly equal splits. He’s a terror on the bases capable of 20-plus steals annually. His solid range (4 OAA over the small MLB sample) and above-average throwing arm will allow him to stick in the corner outfield spots. After a fantastic first impression, Marsee will be locked into an everyday starting lineup spot next season.
Move of the Year: RHP Ronny Henriquez claimed off waivers from Minnesota Twins (53.1%)
Following the trade of Tanner Scott last season and the losses of Andrew Nardi and Declan Cronin to injury, Miami’s bullpen could have collapsed. One of the first moves the Marlins made in 2025 was claiming Henriquez off waivers from the Twins. He came to the Marlins having thrown to a solid 3.44 ERA in Triple-A in 2024, which he matriculated into a 3.26 ERA in a small sample of 19.1 IP with Minnesota. Henriquez did not come with any remaining minor league options, so it was up to him to either impress the Marlins’ brass in spring training or be exposed to waivers once again.
Statistically, Henriquez did not have a good spring by any means as he allowed three home runs in his seven innings pitched. However, the Marlins saw past those numbers and stayed hopeful that there was a solid floor in Henriquez’s fiery velo and plus slider. During the spring, they also taught him how to throw a sweeper, which became his second-most-used pitch during the 2025 campaign.
Suddenly a much more complete pitcher, Henriquez was spectacular for the Marlins for the entirety of the season, much more than they could’ve hoped for, especially as he learned how to adapt to a new organization. With a 2.22 ERA (3.15 FIP) and daunting 32% K rate, he was one of the best relievers in all of baseball. His 36% whiff rate and 35% chase rate graded in the 97th and 98th percentiles league-wide. His average fastball velo of 96.6 mph ranked in the 85th percentile.
Henriquez occasionally struggled with overall command. His walk rate landed at 8.9% and he was at times susceptible to having his power stuff used against him. He allowed hard contact at a 42.5% rate.
The 25-year-old could become an even more prominent fixture in the Marlins’ bullpen in 2026. He was a spectacular find by Peter Bendix and company.
Game of the Year: August 1 vs. New York Yankees (73.4%)
“Because of how wild of a back and forth it was! That series sweep was such a high point in the year.” —Casey Marika (@CaseyMarika)
Always one of the most highly anticipated series of the season, the Marlins were in the midst of a 6-3 stretch when the Yankees came to town. New York was also riding high, fresh off a sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays and looking to further narrow the gap to the top of the AL East.
Janson Junk, a great find for Miami as a minor league signing, drew the start. After a perfect first three innings, Junk ran into trouble with the Yankees’ high-powered lineup in the fourth and fifth frames. Highlighted by a Giancarlo Stanton homer and RBI hits by Jasson Dominguez and Cody Bellinger, New York put up back-to-back three spots to get into the Marlins’ bullpen. The Marlins, courtesy of a Javier Sanoja home run and and Liam Hicks pinch-hit single, fought back in their half of the fifth, plating four only to see the Yankees post another three runs in the top of the seventh. Down five with nine outs to play with, Miami at this point had a 2.8% chance to win the game. They needed a huge spark.
What followed was one of the Marlins’ best offensive innings of the season. Kyle Stowers hit a grand slam (his second of the season), Sanoja hit his second home run of the game, and Augustin Ramirez recorded an RBI single to put the Marlins ahead 10-9 going into the eighth inning. Miami’s lead was very short lived though, as Anthony Volpe, the next Yankee batter, tied the game with a homer of his own. Volpe came in clutch for New York again in the ninth, recording an RBI double to put his team back up by two.
Down to their last two outs, Sanoja once again served as the spark plug for Miami. The super-utility player recorded his third hit of the game with a single to left field, then got into scoring position via a Jakob Marsee walk. It was then Xavier Edwards’ turn to play the hero. Coming off a .324/.361/.471 month of July, X didn’t disappoint. His single to right field easily plated Sanoja then got under the glove of José Caballero, tying the game once again. Edwards advanced to third on the play, putting the winning run 90 feet away. Ramirez, known for his huge power and massive exit velocities, then stepped to the plate and hit a ball 39 mph off the end of his bat—the equivalent of a swinging bunt. Edwards ran on contact and slid into home plate head first safe, exhilarating a sellout crowd.
The 13-run total tied a season-high and was the most Miami has scored at loanDepot park since 2023.
The wild win showcased the tenacity and never-say-die attitude the Marlins played with all season. It also set the tone for a series sweep of the Yankees, their first in franchise history. The game was an instant classic.
Prospect of the Year: LHP Thomas White (33.3%)
The best left-handed pitcher in Minor League Baseball just keeps getting better.
Despite posting a sub-3 ERA and 76/21 K/BB at the level last season, Miami took the cautious route with their top prospect and future ace, sending him back to Beloit to start the year. At the end of June, White got the call to Pensacola. In 10 games with Pensacola, White was virtually untouchable. Over 45.1 IP, he held down a ludicrous 1.59 ERA and 75/24 K/BB. A major highlight on the season for Thomas was his outing on July 26 in which he allowed just two hits, didn’t walk a batter, and struck out a career-high 14 over five innings. As good as the start looked both live and on paper, White told Fish On First last month there was room for him to be even better.
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Immediately following that outing, the Marlins loosened the reins on their top prospect. After previously maxing out at 86 pitches, White averaged 93 pitches per start during August and September. He excelled with the increased workload and even earned an additional promotion to contribute to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s playoff run. Against the highest level of competition in the minors in playoff settings, White threw 10 ⅓ innings, struck out 17 and walked 10, giving Duval County a glimpse of what they can expect next season. It is well within the realm of possibility we see White make his MLB debut sometime in 2026.
The 6’5” southpaw is the total package. On top of elite raw stuff, he stays repeatable with his delivery and diligently studies the game, continuing to optimize his arsenal. Maturity is also on his side, as the 21-year-old is unfazed by failure or decisions beyond his control. Pitchers like this don’t come along often. Well ahead of schedule with an unquestioned MLB rotational floor and the ceiling of a dominant ace, it would behoove the Marlins to start exploring a long-term deal.
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