The Miami Marlins announced on Monday that Gabe Kapler has been promoted from assistant general manager to general manager, making him the sixth GM in club history. The move positions Kapler as the second-ranking executive under president of baseball operations Peter Bendix. Additional promotions include Frankie Piliere to vice president of amateur forecasting and player evaluation initiatives and Vinesh Kanthan to senior director of baseball operations.
The Miami Marlins made several front office adjustments on Monday, with Gabe Kapler stepping up to the role of general manager. Kapler, 50, joined the organization in January 2024 as assistant general manager, focusing on player, coaching, and staff development. He becomes the club's sixth GM, reporting to Peter Bendix.
Prior to Miami, Kapler had a distinguished career. He played 12 MLB seasons as an outfielder, including stints with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2009-10, when Bendix worked in the Rays' front office. Kapler also won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2004. After retiring, he served as director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2015-17, where he collaborated with current Marlins manager Clayton McCullough. He then managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 2018-19 and the San Francisco Giants from 2020-23, compiling a 456-411 record. In 2021, Kapler earned the National League Manager of the Year award after leading the Giants to 107 wins and the NL West title, though they fell to the Dodgers in the NLDS.
Bendix praised the promotions in a statement: "These three leaders have each made a meaningful impact since joining our team, exemplifying the values that define our culture: driving innovation across every area of the team, leading with a forward-thinking mindset and elevating those around them as great teammates. Their advancement is a testament to the caliber of talent and person within our organization and our continued commitment to building a culture of collaboration and excellence."
Kapler expressed enthusiasm: "It is an exciting time to be part of the Marlins’ organization, and I am ready to continue the great work we are doing here, alongside Peter and our entire baseball operations staff. The growth and momentum we’ve built are a direct reflection of a clear vision, a strong culture and an incredible team working together toward a shared goal. I’m proud to help continue that progress and contribute to what’s ahead."
The promotions come after a 2025 season in which the Marlins improved by 17 wins over their 100-loss 2024 campaign, though they still endured losing records in four of the last five years. The minor league system achieved a franchise milestone with four affiliates reaching the postseason, including Jacksonville's Triple-A national championship. Offseason decisions loom, particularly regarding a potential trade of pitcher Sandy Alcantara.
Frankie Piliere, who became director of amateur scouting in January 2024, has led the draft efforts, acquiring nine of Miami's top 30 prospects per MLB Pipeline. Vinesh Kanthan joined as director of baseball operations in January 2024 after five seasons with the Texas Rangers.