Catcher Paul McIntosh was one of several Marlins prospects who were sent to the Arizona Fall League this year. Through nine games thus far, McIntosh is slashing .267/.405/.400/.805 with one home run and three RBIs.
McIntosh has been one of the most productive hitters in the Marlins organization since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
However, there are questions about whether he can stick behind the dish defensively. As a non-roster invitee at 2023 spring training, McIntosh worked with Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp defensive coach José Ceballos. They later reunited at the AAA level when P-Mac earned a midseason promotion. He has continued to progress from there.
“I feel better than I ever have defensively out here in the Arizona Fall League,” said McIntosh on Tuesday. He added that he feels like he has most improved in the receiving and blocking aspects.
Injuries limited McIntosh to 77 games during the regular season. Participating in the fall league helps him make up for those lost reps.
Offensively, McIntosh noticed that he has been tapping into more of his raw power. On Saturday, he became the first Marlin to hit an AFL home run.
The catcher position was a major weakness for the Marlins this season. With Jacob Stallings unlikely to return in 2024 and limited options to choose from in free agency, the door is open for prospects like McIntosh and Will Banfield to earn a spot on the 26-man roster.
In the meantime, McIntosh and the Peoria Javelinas have 11 games left on the AFL schedule.
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