Marlins' outlook hinges on young hitters finding their form at the plate

While getting off to a solid start to the 2026 season, the Miami Marlins have hit a bit of a cold stretch. They currently find themselves in a three-game losing streak going into Wednesday's matchup with the Baltimore Orioles. 

There have been some growing pains on offense. Some of the young hitters are cooling off, and injuries are starting to play their part. 

The team recently lost a veteran power presence in Griffin Conine as he hit the 10-day IL with a hamstring tear, and they also lost closer Pete Fairbanks to the 15-day IL with a thumb injury. 

MORE: Why Marlins are parting ways with Chris Paddack despite $4 million contract

Marlins' outlook hinges on young hitters finding their form at the plate

The pitching staff is not one to worry about. They have an elite starting rotation, but if they continue to slip in the standings, one or two of those arms could be gone at the trade deadline. 

To counteract this, the offense needs to step up and keep the pressure off the starters to be perfect. It would really help for someone like Owen Caissie to turn the page and step up for his new club, along with the other young hitters, per ESPN's Bradford Doolittle. 

"Owen Caissie might need some fine-tuning. After a couple of nice early moments, his season has become a strikeout fest -- 45 whiffs against only six walks. Long-shot contention aside, the Marlins need to get all these young-ish hitters pointed in the right direction."

While it's a current long shot, the Marlins have time to turn this thing around. Outside of the Atlanta Braves, no other team in the NL East has gotten off to a solid start. 

Miami has to take advantage of some of its weaker matchups, like against the Washington Nationals over the weekend. If they can do this, there will be much more hope for this team come next week. 

More MLB news:

• Time is running out for the White Sox trade addition to get it going offensively
• Cubs rise in latest power rankings as regulars start to hit their stride
• Rays move into top five driven by an absolutely dominant pitching staff
• Pirates slotted into top ten after a rollercoaster week of divisional results
• Athletics maintain their rank despite significant home pitching struggles