As the MLB offseason truly begins, rumors have circulated about the Miami Marlins showing interest in top-of-the-market relievers and other positions of need. Although I foresee them missing out on the big-time names such as Devin Williams, Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor, there will still be opportunities to piece together solid solutions with low-risk, short-term deals. In this article, I will briefly describe five free agents who I believe make sense for the Marlins.

 

RHP Brad Keller

Projected contract: 2 YR/$15M

The most expensive potential addition that I have in this free agent group is Brad Keller. In 2025, he had a breakout season with the Cubs after moving into a bullpen role. Keller posted a 2.07 ERA and 2.93 FIP. Doing what he historically has done, Keller generated groundballs. The major difference-maker for the 30-year-old this season was an extreme fastball velocity increase from 93 mph to 97 mph—that coincided with a jump in spin rate on all his pitches. Carrying those pitch characteristics into 2026 should yield similar results.

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RHP Michael Kopech

Projected contract: 1 YR/$1M

$250k incentive for reaching 50 innings pitched 

Kopech has suffered a plethora of injuries since his debut in 2018 with the White Sox. His 2025 season was impacted by health issues as well. The former first-round pick got off to a delayed start due to right knee surgery, and his knee flared up again in September, preventing him from contributing to their World Series run.

As always, Kopech showed an elite fastball, but struggled to find the zone, walking 24.5% of batters he faced in 2025. He would be a dart throw for the Marlins. If they luck into a healthy season from him and are able to get him to command his fastball and offspeed, the upside is tremendous for the right-handed flamethrower. 

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LHP Ryan Yarbrough

Projected contract:1 YR/$2M

$250k incentive for reaching 115 innings pitched 

Best known for being a “bulk guy” with the Tampa Bay Rays during his 20s, Yarbrough has had an under-the-radar past two seasons. He adds depth, a veteran presence, adaptability to be a starter or bulk reliever, and a funky look for hitters. He also limits walks.

Peter Bendix would have familiarity with Yarbrough dating back to his days in Tampa. The soft-throwing southpaw could play a meaningful role for the Marlins in 2026. 

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INF Amed Rosario

Projected contract: 1 YR/$5.2M

It may be curious to add to a seemingly packed infield for the Marlins, but I believe Amed Rosario could serve as valuable insurance behind Connor Norby and Graham Pauley in 2026, while being enough of an offensive threat to play DH vs. lefties.

Rosario in 2025 saw a 2 mph increase in his bat speed which led to a career-high hard-hit rate of 45%. Perhaps even more importantly, the soon-to-be 30-year-old infielder had the highest pulled-air rate of his career—up to 17.9% from a career norm of 10%. This is why Rosario had the highest slug (.436) and average exit velo (91.2 mph) of his career. Perhaps a mini breakout season is on the horizon for the journeyman infielder. 

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C James McCann

Projected contract: 1 YR/$1.5M

$150k incentive for 95 games played 

After what many thought was the finale of a solid MLB career in 2024, McCann was released by the Braves near the end of 2025 spring training and picked up by the Diamondbacks in June. McCann went on to put up 0.7 fWAR for the Diamondbacks and hit .260/.324/.431 with five home runs and a 110 wRC+ in 42 games.

McCann would add a veteran presence that Marlins catchers and pitchers haven’t had since trading away Nick Fortes. There’s only a clear fit for him if the Marlins have determined that it’s time to move Agustín Ramírez to first base or DH. 

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