JUPITER, Fla., March 13 (UPI) -- Kyle Stowers' shoulders are clear, but they could metaphorically be piled with 45-pound plates if he lets the weight of pressure and expectations infect his philosophy entering the 2026 MLB season.
The Miami Marlins outfielder, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2025, says he prefers the word "belief," when asked for his thoughts on team owner Bruce Sherman telling reporters he had "extraordinary expectations" for Stowers' upcoming campaign.
"I try to have little expectations on myself going into each and every day. I have high belief though," Stowers said this week at Marlins spring training in Jupiter, Fla. "It's a huge honor that those guys believe in me."
Stowers, who became a father last month when he and his wife welcomed a baby girl, admitted a "lot of change" has occurred within his life as a new dad and emerging MLB star. But he looks forward to clubhouse continuity and expects the Marlins' 2026 foes to be more prepared for the team's exploits.
"The hardest thing in sports is ... now people know we are a good team," Stowers said. "We aren't going to be sneaking up on anyone. Now you've got to do it with more eyes on you and a little more expectation. But what it gets back to is the process -- controlling what you can control.
