Max Meyer is expected to be a starter for the Miami Marlins in 2026. After undergoing left hip surgery last June, the pitcher has made a full recovery and reported to camp healthy and ready to go.
Yes, it is only Spring Training and the games don’t really count, but the right-handed Meyer has pitched well. In seven innings, he has 12 strikeouts and has yet to give up a run. The Marlins are limiting him to around 55 pitches to get his arm into game shape. Early on, however, he has shown his fastball. It was around 95 mph, but reached 97 mph in a few instances. Meyer also demonstrated an improved sweeper pitch.
When Healthy
Despite the injury setbacks, the 27-year-old Meyer has consistently demonstrated strong stuff. He shows poise and self-assurance on the mound. With his pitch mix of a fastball, along with a sinker and slider, he makes the necessary adjustments to get the ground ball outs. Last season, he had a 14-strikeout performance against the Cincinnati Reds. https://www.mlb.com/news/max-meyer-racks-up-14-strikeouts-in-gem-for-marlins
Critical Season
Max Meyer is expected to be a starter in what is being considered a “high-stakes” year for him. The former first-round pick not only needs to prove he is a durable starter, but he also needs to stay healthy. This comes after multiple seasons ended with injuries. In his second MLB start in August 2022, he tore his UCL. That surgery sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. He pitched in only 11 games in 2024, and last season he pitched in only 12.
Starters Traded
The Marlins dealt two pitchers from their 2025 starting staff. In a surprise move, Edward Cabrera was traded to the Chicago Cubs in January. Ryan Weathers was traded to the New York Yankees. Those trades opened rotation spots for young arms like Meyer to compete for a starting job.
Relying on Him
The Marlins are relying on Meyer not just to be healthy but also to be a quality starter. Sandy Alcantara slotted as the ace and Eury Perez as an effective number two pitcher. The Marlins feel they can compete with the two right-handers as the core of their starters. What they need are positive contributions from the number three and four starters. The right-handed Chris Paddack is seen as the number three starter, with Meyer being told he is the number four. They want him to be the innings “eater” when he starts. They need him to avoid departing early in his starts to allow the bullpen arms to stay fresh.
If He Struggles
The Marlins will certainly not give up on Meyer. He is being counted on in that number four slot. So far, he looks up to the challenge. On the other hand, we know facing hitters in Spring Training is different than the regular season. If Meyer struggles early, the team can send him to Triple-A, where he can work on getting his arm in game shape while also working on any other pitching mechanics needed. However, the need to do so could strain the starting rotation and the bullpen. Meyer needs to hit the ground running, pitch well, and remain healthy.
Outlook
Meyer is still seen as a likely breakout pitcher. He has the tools to be a quality starter, but he must stay healthy. Alcantara and Perez have the talent to keep the team in games. Last season, they finished only four games out of a Wild Card spot. A healthy Meyer pitching well, complementing the work of Alcantara, Perez, and Paddack, could be the piece the Marlins need to stay in contention for most of the season and even see postseason play.
