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As the World Series unfolds, the Miami Marlins are watching closely—not just as spectators, but as students of the game. The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, both small- or low-mid market clubs, have demonstrated a blueprint that Miami could emulate. For the Marlins, who are navigating an offseason filled with uncertainty but also opportunity, the lessons from these two teams are invaluable.
Peter Bendix, the Marlins' President of Baseball Operations, has already made strides in rebuilding the organization. His efforts have positioned Miami to borrow strategies from the Brewers and Rays as they finalize their roster. The foundation is set; now it's about adding the finishing touches.
Offensive Design
Most of Miami's offensive core will return in 2026, and with a wealth of young talent, the team is expected to improve at the plate. The Marlins' profile mirrors that of the Brewers and Rays, but one key element needs to be embraced: slug. In 2026, Miami ranked 16th in baseball with a .400 slugging percentage—right at league average. That's a solid starting point. However, the team's 168 home runs ranked 23rd, revealing a power gap. Home runs win games, as the Brewers have shown this postseason by leveraging the long ball. While contact-oriented hitters are valuable, getting on base is crucial to maximizing slugging; it creates traffic on the bases and generates more RBI opportunities. The Marlins must find a way to balance contact and power to keep pace.
Bullpen Strength
The Brewers' postseason success has been fueled by their bullpen, which featured unheralded arms that have now become household names—like Aaron Ashby, who is suddenly in conversations as a top-10 reliever. For Miami, the bullpen struggled in 2026, posting a 4.10 ERA (19th in the league). Injuries and inconsistency, particularly from closer Pete Fairbanks, were major factors. This offseason, the Marlins need to address the bullpen in two ways. First, they must make savvy additions that their player development team can refine. With a potential lockout looming, Miami may avoid shopping at the top of the relief market, making development of marginal players essential. Second, they need to elevate their own pitchers, such as helping Victor Vodnik rediscover his form away from Coors Field. Vodnik is a prime candidate for improvement. The path is clear: by taking a page from the Brewers and Rays, the Marlins can take the next step toward contention.