After a year of the Miami Marlins looking like a team trying to survive the season, 2026 has provided something different.
With a young roster and a clubhouse chemistry that’s become the talk of the National League, Miami is shedding the “underdog” label—and doing it with real numbers to back it up.
The record speaks for itself. Even after an uncharacteristic sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians over the weekend at LoanDepot Park, the Marlins entered the All-Star break at 52-45, seven games over .500. They had the second-most wins before the midsummer break in franchise history, trailing only the 53-win pace of 2023.
Where did the season turn? In a word: June.
Miami broke its franchise records with 20 wins in that month, ending with a 14-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on June 30 in Denver. That surge put the Marlins squarely in the thick of the National League Wild Card race. With play halted until Thursday, when the All-Star break officially ends, Miami sits in the third and final Wild Card slot behind the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs.
Otto Lopez has been the engine.
A 27-year-old shortstop from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has turned in one of the best offensive seasons in the majors, leading the league in hits and batting average deep into July. When the Marlins lost to the Guardians, 4-1, his batting average sat at .339 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs.
“I’m always adjusting little things here and there … like the way I stand on the plate, preparing for each pitcher,” Lopez said last week when explaining his preparation this year. “Nothing drastic, just staying consistent.”
Lopez set a new Marlins franchise record for multi-hit games before the All-Star break, passing a mark previously held by future Hall of Fame infielder Miguel Cabrera. His surge earned Lopez his first career All-Star selection, making him just the fourth shortstop in franchise history to do so. The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens bank Park in Philadelphia.
“It’s something I have always dreamed of,” Lopez said regarding being named an All-Star. “I think for every player it’s really a blessing from God.”
On the mound, Max Meyer has been nearly unhittable. The right-hander opened the season by winning nine consecutive decisions, tied for the best start to a season by any Marlins pitcher. He didn’t take his first loss until July.
He’s still turned in one of the best seasons by a Marlins starter in years – a 2.53 ERA and a career-high workload — and like Lopez, he’ll be a first-time All-Star tomorrow.
Then there is Sandy Alcantara.
The former Cy Young winner has rediscovered his dominant form: Riding the longest winning streak by a Marlins starter since 2016 and climbing past 1,000 career strikeouts along the way, becoming the franchise’s all-time strikeout leader in the process.
The Marlins have shown that with great chemistry comes great results. It’s no secret that for this team, companionship and trust in one another have made the difference.
July 10, 2026 in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
“Certainly, I’ve been very pleased with our progress,” said manager Clayton McCullough, pointing to the entirety of the season. “I think what’s great about this year is that our expectations are different. I’ve seen guys like Otto, how much better he’s gotten. There are many players who are off to a very good start this year.”
The Marlins have not made the postseason since 2023. Back then, when they were swept in the opening round by the Phillies, McCullough was on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ coaching staff, and Miami president Peter Bendix was in the front office of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Together, in new surroundings, they have orchestrated this turnaround.
