The Miami Marlins will have some continuity at the highest levels of their baseball operations department for the foreseeable future. On Monday, the club announced that three of Peter Bendix’s initial hires during the 2023-24 offseason—Gabe Kapler, Frankie Piliere and Vinesh Kanthan—have been promoted. After previously serving as one of the Marlins’ assistant general managers, Kapler is now their GM. Piliere has been elevated from director of amateur scouting to vice president of amateur scouting and player evaluation initiatives, while Kanthan goes from director of baseball operations to senior director of baseball operations.
“These three leaders have each made a meaningful impact since joining our team, exemplifying the values that define our culture: driving innovation across every area of the team, leading with a forward-thinking mindset, and elevating those around them as great teammates,” Bendix said in a press release. “Their advancement is a testament to the caliber of talent and person within our organization and our continued commitment to building a culture of collaboration and excellence.”
Kim Ng was Miami’s general manager from November 2020 to October 2023. Nobody else held that title until now. Kapler, 50, becomes the sixth general manager in franchise history. Since joining the Marlins, Kapler has focused on player, coaching and staff development. A former outfielder for parts of 12 MLB seasons, he also was the manager of the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies and director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It is an exciting time to be part of the Marlins organization, and I am ready to continue the great work we are doing here, alongside Peter and our entire Baseball Operations staff,” said Kapler. “The growth and momentum we’ve built are a direct reflection of a clear vision, a strong culture, and an incredible team working together toward a shared goal. I’m proud to help continue that progress and contribute to what’s ahead.”
Both still in their 30s, Piliere and Kanthan were brought over from the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, respectively. Piliere will remain intimately involved in the MLB Draft process moving forward. Under his direction, the Marlins unconventionally used all of their 2025 picks to select college players. Kanthan’s role in the front office is more vague—he ensures that the various baseball operations departments efficiently collaborate with one another.