The free agency floodgates have cracked open. The Miami Marlins’ first catch of the 2025-26 offseason is right-hander Evan McKendry, who has signed a minor league deal which includes an invite to spring training, as announced on Tuesday by McKendry’s agent, Gavin Kahn.
Entering his age-28 season, McKendry is a former ninth-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays. He got his first taste of Triple-A in 2022, but he’s been stuck there ever since. This past season, he pitched 87 â…“ innings (24 G/14 GS) with a 5.26 ERA for the AAA affiliates of the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox. Although he has demonstrated sharp control as a pro, he’s also been homer-prone, even when facing same-handed batters.
Regardless of how the rest of this winter unfolds, McKendry will be among the softest throwers in Marlins camp. His four-seam fastball only averages 90.8 mph. His arsenal also includes a sinker, cutter, changeup and sweeper.
McKendry will attempt to become the first former Hurricane to play a major league game for the Marlins since Peter O’Brien in 2019.
In case you missed it, Kevin Barral and Sean McCormack recently floated the names of 10 other minor league free agents who’d fit well with the Fish.