Miami Marlins likely without Max Meyer until 2024
The Miami Marlins were hoping that Max Meyer would establish himself at the major league level over the final few months of the 2022 season. Instead, those hopes will have to wait until 2024.
Meyer left his most recent outing after facing three batters due to elbow discomfort. According to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com, Meyer has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery.
Max Meyer yet another top Miami Marlins prospect sidelined with injuries
Meyer’s injury continues a somewhat disturbing trend for the Marlins. Three of their other top pitching prospects – Edward Cabrera, Sixto Sanchez, and Jake Eder – are all on the Injured List as well. Sanchez and Eder have not pitched at all this season due to surgeries they had in 2021.
It is fair to wonder if Meyer was hurt before he even arrived in the majors. He had missed time in Triple-A due to what was considered nerve irritation in his right forearm. As he dominated in his five outings after returning, the Marlins understandably made the decision to bring him to the majors.
Now his time to prove himself has been pushed back. There is a chance that Meyer could return late in 2023 depending on when his surgery happens. If that happens, it would likely be in a bullpen role, where his fastball and power slider could be devastating. It is also a role that some felt Meyer would end up in anyway.
However, it makes more sense for the Marlins to err on the side of caution. Bringing Meyer back in 2023 may not accomplish anything. Giving him that entire year to recover, and potentially have a normal offseason in 2023-24, could allow him to be that top of the rotation arm they are hoping for. That timeline is just being pushed back a bit more.
Max Meyer is set to undergo Tommy John surgery in the near future. The Miami Marlins can say goodbye until the 2024 season begins.