Max Meyer Out for Season: How Will the Marlins Cope?

By Oliver Wiener June 29, 2025 14:16

The Miami Marlins received devastating news on June 25, 2025, as right-hander Max Meyer was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a left hip labral tear requiring surgery. The procedure, scheduled to be performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd in Nashville, carries an expected recovery timeline of six to eight months, effectively ending Meyer’s 2025 campaign and putting his availability for spring training 2026 in question.

Meyer’s season had been a rollercoaster. The 26-year-old started strong, posting a 2.10 ERA over his first five starts, including a dominant outing against the Reds where he struck out 14 batters over six scoreless innings. However, his performance sharply declined in May and early June, with a 7.01 ERA over his last seven starts before landing on the injured list on June 3 with a left hip impingement. That injury had been lingering, and the severity only became apparent after consulting a hip specialist earlier this month.

This setback compounds an already injury-plagued career for Meyer. Selected third overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, Meyer’s trajectory has been repeatedly interrupted. He made his major league debut in 2022 but tore his ulnar collateral ligament in just his second start, forcing Tommy John surgery and causing him to miss the entire 2023 season. He also dealt with right shoulder bursitis last September, making this his fourth consecutive season marred by significant injury.

Meyer’s 2025 stat line before the injury reflected both promise and inconsistency: a 3-5 record with a 4.73 ERA, 68 strikeouts, and 72 hits allowed across 64.2 innings. His strikeout rate of 9.5 K/9 showed his potential to dominate, but the injuries and uneven stretches limited his overall effectiveness.

How Will the Marlins Cope?

Meyer’s loss is a significant blow to a Marlins rotation already strained by injuries. Left-hander Ryan Weathers has been sidelined since early June with a left lat strain and was placed on the 60-day injured list, further thinning Miami’s pitching depth. The Marlins’ rotation now leans heavily on ace Sandy Alcantara, along with Eury Pérez, Cal Quantrill, Edward Cabrera, and Janson Junk.

Manager Clayton McCullough expressed his disappointment but remained focused on the future: “Disappointed to get the news that Max’s season this year is over. And then now, just turn the page to him getting right, getting back healthy for next year. Max is and we all are bummed out for him that it ended up having to go this direction to get him back”.

The Marlins face a critical challenge in maintaining competitiveness while navigating these pitching losses. Depth options from within the organization and potential trade market moves will be key. The club’s front office has been active in exploring trades and prospects, but losing a young arm like Meyer who was not considered a trade candidate before the injury complicates roster flexibility.

Looking Ahead

Max Meyer’s recovery will be closely monitored throughout the offseason. McCullough noted that Meyer’s return timeline will depend heavily on the rehab process and how he responds to surgery: “I think that’s going to be very much dependent on how the rehab process goes. I think we certainly hope so, but that’ll be just depending on how Max comes out of the procedure and how the rehab ends up going with him through the winter”.

For the Marlins, the priority is to stabilize the rotation and build around their healthy arms while supporting Meyer’s rehabilitation. The hope remains that Meyer can return to his pre-injury form and fulfill the promise that made him a top draft pick. Until then, Miami must weather the storm and rely on depth, development, and strategic acquisitions to stay competitive in a tough National League East division.