The Marlins host the Royals on July 18, 2025, looking to extend their win streak. Can Kyle Stowers' hot bat lead Miami to a crucial series win at home?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Welcome to Friday night baseball in Miami! The Marlins are back at loanDepot park, carrying the momentum of a two-game winning streak into a pivotal weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. After a rollercoaster first half, this series feels like a chance for the team to find its footing and make a statement before the trade deadline conversations get serious.
Kyle Stowers has been the engine, leading the team with 19 home runs, a .293 average, and 54 RBIs.
Tonight marks the start of a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals. While the Marlins' 44-51 record isn't where fans hoped it would be, the team is showing signs of life, going 5-5 in their last 10 contests. They'll need to improve on their 20-27 home record to make a climb. The Royals enter with a similar 47-50 record, making this a very winnable series for a Marlins team looking to build consistency.
You can't talk about the Marlins' offense without highlighting the incredible season Kyle Stowers is having. The outfielder has been the team's most potent weapon, boasting a .293 batting average, 19 homers, and 54 RBIs. His .368 on-base percentage and .543 slugging percentage aren't just good; they're the kind of numbers that carry a lineup. As the team struggles for consistency, Stowers has been the one constant, productive force at the plate.
Guiding the ship through these choppy waters is first-year manager Clayton McCullough. Hired last November to replace Skip Schumaker, McCullough has the team sitting at 44-51. While the record is below .500, managing a team in transition is never easy. The recent two-game win streak offers a glimmer of what this team could be under his leadership, and this homestand will be a key test of his ability to get the squad firing on all cylinders.
The Marlins have a golden opportunity this weekend. A series win against a fellow sub-.500 team like the Royals could be the catalyst they need to make a serious push in the second half. All eyes will be on loanDepot park to see if they can capitalize on their recent momentum and give the home fans something to cheer about.
