How the Miami Marlins could build a contending roster for under $50 million

The 2025 Miami Marlins are universally projected to be a bottom-three team as they continue their top-to-bottom rebuild under new President Peter Bendix. While the club will devote most of its playing time time young players and prospects, there is an alternate universe, where Miami could press the accelerator and try to compete this season.

The current free agency pool opens the door for the Marlins to add enough talent to bolster their roster while committing less than $50 million to new players (in 2025). For this exercise, we will assume no deferred payment and use Spotrac's Market Value tool to estimate salaries. Let the chaos begin!

Priority #1: Overhaul the Pitching Rotation ($29.4 million invested)

The Marlins franchise has long been defined by its ability to identify and develop starting pitching. It is fitting that the club begin its hypothetical rebuild by leaning on this long-time strength.

First, the Marlins add free agent starter Jack Flaherty for his $21.1 million projected market value. The former Cardinals, Tigers, and Dodgers ace will bring his 3.17 ERA and 1.07 WHIP from last season as he forms a dangerous tandem with incumbent ace Sandy Alcantara.

The New York Mets have a questionable rotation. And the Atlanta Braves are relying heavily on Spender Strider to return to his pre-injury form. Adding Flaherty would give Miami a top-of-the-rotation that could compete with the Phillies for the best in the NL East.

However, Miami is not done there. The injury to Braxton Garrett leaves a void in the Marlins' rotation. The franchise responds by also signing veteran Jose Quintana at his $8.3 projected market value.

Quintana, who thrived in the NL East as a member of the Mets last season, brings his 3.75 ERA to South Beach. This gives the Fish a rotation featuring Alcantara, Flaherty, Ryan Weathers, Jose Quintana, and one of Edward Cabrera, Max Meyer, or Valente Bellozo. This is a formidable unit that the Marlins could build their identity upon.