Marlins Release Top Rookie Pitcher After Undergoing Tommy John Surgery

October 02, 2025 ,
Miami Marlins pitcher Declan Cronin pitches during 2025 game.

Right-hander Declan Cronin is facing a long recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier this week, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. 

The 28-year-old was released by the Miami Marlins in September and will now spend all of 2026 rehabbing before attempting an MLB return. His earliest chance to pitch again is expected to be 2027.

Cronin’s injury-plagued 2025 season limited him to just 23.1 innings in the minors, with no appearances at the big-league level. After emerging as a reliable bullpen arm for Miami in 2024, posting a 4.35 ERA over 70.1 innings with a strong 57.6% ground-ball rate, his health quickly unraveled. 

A hip injury sidelined him in the spring, and elbow issues later ended his year in Triple-A Jacksonville. The Marlins released him to make room on the 40-man roster, a move that now appears tied to his looming surgery.

What’s Next for Cronin?

Cronin, a 36th-round pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2019, made his MLB debut in 2023 before finding his stride in Miami the following year. Known for inducing ground balls at an elite clip, his 2024 underlying numbers suggested he could carve out a long-term role despite a high BABIP inflating his ERA. 

Now, his future hinges on whether a team is willing to take a chance on a two-year minor league contract, allowing him to rehab in 2026 and potentially return to action the following season.

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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