The Miami Marlins are actively targeting free agent pitcher Patrick Sandoval as they look to strengthen their pitching rotation for the upcoming season.
The team is currently facing a shortage of reliable arms, with only Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, and Max Meyer locked into starting roles.
The remaining spots in the rotation are currently filled by swingmen Janson Junk, Ryan Gusto, and Tyler Phillips, according to Yahoo Sports.
Top prospects Thomas White and Robby Snelling are currently sidelined with injuries, complicating the team’s depth.
The front office is reportedly prioritizing a proven veteran over waiting for injured prospects to recover, as noted by Fish On First.
Sandoval is coming off a challenging 2026 campaign with the Boston Red Sox, where he recorded a 5.12 ERA across 15 appearances.
Despite these surface-level struggles, underlying data suggests that bad luck and a high average on balls in play contributed to his inflated ERA.
League executives believe the left-hander still possesses elite raw talent, with one source telling MLB.com that “lots of teams have wanted him for a while.”
The same executive added that “his fastball plays” and noted that many organizations believe they can improve his overall command.
Sandoval missed the 2025 season following Tommy John surgery and did not return to the mound until July 2026.
During his limited time back, his changeup proved effective, generating a 39.7% whiff rate.
The Marlins organization is known for encouraging pitchers to adopt the sweeper, a pitch that could become a focal point for Sandoval if he joins the staff.
The front office is betting on a return to his previous form, specifically the period between 2021 and 2023 when he posted a 3.53 ERA while pitching for the Angels.
As the team navigates a rotation filled with uncertainty, the pursuit of Sandoval reflects a strategic decision to add immediate experience to the roster.