Ely Sussman

Drafted by the Marlins in 2025 (second round, $2M signing bonus) January 2026 update: Compton had an impressive amateur track record in wood bat leagues, but he entered pro ball on the heels of a disappointing 2025 season at Arizona State. His stock rose during the MLB Draft Combine when he demonstrated the ability to generate elite exit velocities. He's defensively limited to left field and could be a candidate to convert to first base as his career progresses. FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #29

Acquired via trade from the Yankees in January 2026 January 2026 update: There were minimal expectations placed upon Matheus when he entered pro ball—his signing bonus out of Venezuela was only $10,000. The switch-hitting infielder has posted a .396 on-base percentage through his first four minor league seasons. FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #30

Acquired via trade from the Cubs in January 2026 January 2026 update: The wiry Hernández joins the Fish with a lifetime 106 wRC+ through five minor league seasons. Although his strikeout rate has gradually improved since coming stateside, he hasn't topped seven home runs in any individual campaign. He provides 55-grade speed on the bases. Hernández can be sloppy defensively, but he possesses the skill set to be a bonafide MLB shortstop. He throws with zip and accuracy even when off balance. mmd9lu.mp4 FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #23

Acquired via trade from the Cubs in January 2026 January 2026 update: Caissie was the main piece that the Marlins received in return for Edward Cabrera and a player they had coveted in previous trade negotiations. Repeating the Triple-A level in 2025, his swing decisions improved as did his ability to make contact on pitches outside the strike zone. In his first taste of major league pitching, the Canadian slugger struck out 40.7% of the time against a 3.7% walk rate. Both of those marks will obviously need to improve for him to be successful. Entering 2026, Caissie is focused on improving his first step on defense. He currently projects as a below-average defender in the outfield corners. Caissie has two minor league options remaining. Professional awards/accolades/milestones 2025 Futures Game representative 2023 & 2026 World Baseball Classic participant (Canada) FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #4

Acquired via trade from the Yankees in January 2026 January 2026 update: The toolsy Lewis posted a 20/20 season as a junior at Queens University, then reached both of those marks again in his first full year as a pro. He feasts on pitches up in the strike zone and has no trouble catching up to high velocity. Following the 2025 All-Star break, Lewis spent all of his defensive innings in center field. With long strides, he has the range to stick there. Professional awards/accolades 2026 Spring Breakout participant FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #5

Acquired via trade from the Yankees in January 2026 January 2026 update: Jones received a modest $150k signing bonus out of Kansas State in 2024. He has quickly outplayed his pre-draft scouting report, showing the upside to develop into an everyday MLB left fielder. He draws nearly as many walks as strikeouts and puts together his best plate appearances in the highest-leverage situations. A 70-grade runner, Jones has been stealing bases at an extremely high volume in the minors (69 SB in 148 G) and with elite efficiency (88.5 SB%). Professional awards/accolades 2026 Spring Breakout participant FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #17

There is plenty of historical information available online about what the Miami Marlins have done in the MLB Draft through the years. However, details are much more sparse about their acquisition of talent from foreign countries even though those free agents also have a massive impact on the franchise. Fish On First is taking steps to remedy that with this guide. All of the players covered in here resided outside of the United States and Canada and were considered "amateurs" by Major League Baseball at the time of their signing—the Marlins were the first major league organization to ink them to a minor league contract. The likelihood of an international signee making it to the majors is extremely low. Most of them never even play for a full-season MiLB affiliate. On the other hand, a few of the greatest players in Marlins history took this route. That's the kind of volatility you get when rolling the dice on teenagers (some as young as 16). International free agency has been around throughout the Marlins' existence, but the bonus pool system was only introduced in 2012. Under the terms of the 2012-16 MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams were able to exceed their bonus pool as long as they were willing to pay a luxury tax for doing so. Since 2017, spending has been hard-capped with all bonuses greater than $10,000 counting against a team's pool, though teams are allowed to trade for additional bonus pool space (as the Marlins did several times in 2018, for example). Traditionally, new international signing periods opened on July 2 and ran through June 15 of the following year. The calendar shifted following the COVID pandemic in 2020. Signing periods now open on January 15 and run through December 15. I have created tables for each Marlins signing class of the "bonus pool era" with players listed in alphabetical order. The highlighted names went on to have MLB careers. I also included the name and title of the Marlins executive who was leading the club's international operations department on signing day. That doesn't mean they deserve all of the credit/blame for the class. Agreements with players are routinely reached far in advance of when they're eligible to sign, so execs find themselves honoring commitments made by their predecessors regardless of whether they would have pursued those players on their own. 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 Pre-bonus pool era 2026 Director of international scouting: David Hernandez-Beayne Total bonus pool: $7,357,100 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Maikel Acosta Hitter Dominican Republic $225,000 Enyer Antonio Hitter Dominican Republic $450,000 Justin Batista Pitcher Dominican Republic $100,000 José Camacho Hitter Venezuela $80,000 Evan Da Souza Pitcher Nicaragua $240,000 Michael De La Cruz Hitter Dominican Republic Carlos De Los Santos Hitter Dominican Republic $475,000 Francisco Del Campo Hitter Mexico $400,000 Bernardo Doc Hitter Dominican Republic Raunny Figueredo Hitter Venezuela $350,000 Ezequiel Jaime Hitter Dominican Republic Yerison Mendez Pitcher Dominican Republic Eliecer Mendoza Hitter Panama Ronny Muñoz Hitter Dominican Republic $1,000,000 Jordani Peguero Hitter Dominican Republic Eliezer Peralta Pitcher Dominican Republic $275,000 Daniel Pire Hitter Venezuela $215,000 Yendi Pirela Hitter Venezuela $135,000 Ronald Rodríguez Hitter Venezuela $180,000 José Rosal Pitcher Venezuela $60,000 Onardi Santos Pitcher Dominican Republic $225,000 Santiago Solarte Hitter Venezuela $1,000,000 2025 Director of international scouting: David Hernandez-Beayne Total bonus pool: $7,555,500 (traded away $250,000) Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Anthony Abreu Hitter Dominican Republic $550,000 Juan Alva Hitter Mexico $10,000 Luis Arana Hitter Venezuela $30,000 Edelson Canelón Pitcher Venezuela $200,000 Keyner Cedeño Pitcher Venezuela $50,000 Kevin Defrank Pitcher Dominican Republic $560,000 Samuel Estevez Hitter Dominican Republic César García Hitter Panama $10,000 Diego Godoy Pitcher Venezuela $10,000 Luis Gómez Pitcher Dominican Republic Steven Herrera Hitter Dominican Republic $125,000 Santiago Linares Pitcher Venezuela $170,000 Johan Machado Hitter Venezuela $330,000 Adriano Marrero Pitcher Cuba $350,000 Diego Martínez Hitter Venezuela $200,000 Pedro Montero Pitcher Dominican Republic $35,000 Moisés Morales Hitter Mexico $35,000 Rendy Naveo Hitter Dominican Republic* $10,000 Wanderlin Padilla Hitter Dominican Republic $10,000 Adrián Peña Pitcher Dominican Republic $400,000 Jesús Pérez Hitter Venezuela $50,000 Sandy Presbot Hitter Dominican Republic $70,000 Isaac Prince Pitcher Dominican Republic $230,000 Edwin Ramírez Hitter Venezuela $10,000 Andrew Salas Hitter Venezuela $3,700,000 David Shirley Hitter Panama $10,000 *Born in Italy 2024 Assistant general manager overseeing international operations: Oz Ocampo Total bonus pool: $6,520,000 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Gregori Arias Hitter Dominican Republic $180,000 José Castro Hitter Dominican Republic $450,000 Luis Cova Hitter Venezuela $1,400,000 Alex Cruz Hitter Dominican Republic $170,000 Melvin Cuevas Pitcher Dominican Republic Alejandro De La Cruz Pitcher Dominican Republic $105,000 Diwarys Encarnación Hitter Dominican Republic Kifraidy Encarnación Pitcher Dominican Republic $165,000 Estarlin Francisco Pitcher Dominican Republic $170,000 Angel García Pitcher Dominican Republic $225,000 Eric Gutierrez Pitcher Dominican Republic $160,000 Wilfredo Henriquez Pitcher Dominican Republic Abraham Hernández Pitcher Dominican Republic $250,000 Luis Manuel León Hitter Cuba $1,500,000 Yordani Martínez Hitter Dominican Republic $150,000 Ian Medina Pitcher Mexico Gerinton Méndez Pitcher Dominican Republic $200,000 Eiver Mosquera Pitcher Venezuela $150,000 Raisei Nakamura Pitcher Japan Carlos Ochoa Pitcher Venezuela $150,000 Albert Ortiz Pitcher Dominican Republic José Paulino Pitcher Dominican Republic $350,000 Robert Puente Pitcher Dominican Republic $115,000 Kevin Robledo Hitter Mexico $75,000 Maikel Rodríguez Pitcher Venezuela $20,000 Angel Rosario Pitcher Dominican Republic Jonathan Rosario Pitcher Dominican Republic $85,000 Almen Tolentino Hitter Dominican Republic $145,000 Jonfreider Torrealba Pitcher Venezuela $50,000 2023 Senior director of international operations: Adrian Lorenzo Total bonus pool: $6,366,900 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Jesús Abreu Hitter Venezuela Jeremy Almonte Hitter Dominican Republic $110,000 Khris Almonte Hitter Dominican Republic $140,000 Oswaldo Aponte Pitcher Venezuela Derek Arellan Pitcher Venezuela $130,000 Adrian Bello Hitter Venezuela $50,000 Keyner Benitez Pitcher Dominican Republic $225,000 Samuel Carpio Pitcher Dominican Republic Rafael Castillo Hitter Dominican Republic Nixon Chirinos Hitter Venezuela Derek Cueto Hitter Venezuela Jancory De La Cruz Hitter Dominican Republic $405,000 Fernando De La Rosa Pitcher Dominican Republic $80,000 Breyias Dean Hitter Bahamas $325,000 Jayden Felicia Hitter Curacao $35,000 Daniel Gaitor Hitter Bahamas $300,000 Hamlet García Pitcher Dominican Republic Manuel Genao Pitcher Dominican Republic $300,000 Osvaldo Heredia Hitter Dominican Republic $450,000 Jeckferxon Hernández Pitcher Venezuela Adrian Ibarra Hitter Venezuela $190,000 Erick Lara Hitter Dominican Republic $85,000 Fabian López Hitter Dominican Republic $650,000 José Made Hitter Dominican Republic $180,000 Jeyson Mejía Pitcher Dominican Republic $65,000 Bayant Melo Pitcher Dominican Republic $85,000 Janero Miller Two-Way* Bahamas $950,000 Elier Morillo Pitcher Dominican Republic Luis Porfirio Pitcher Dominican Republic $85,000 Alexander Requena Hitter Venezuela Bryan Reyes Pitcher Dominican Republic Darling Reyes Pitcher Dominican Republic Anthony Rodríguez Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Yohanfer Santana Pitcher Dominican Republic Brandon Smith Pitcher Venezuela Joseph Tailor Hitter Dominican Republic $400,000 Hiroshi Takahashi Pitcher Japan $42,000 Andrés Valor Hitter Venezuela $520,000 *Switched to full-time pitcher in 2025 2022 Senior director of international operations: Adrian Lorenzo Total bonus pool: $5,721,200 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Andelzon Abad Pitcher Dominican Republic Greyber Altamirano Hitter Venezuela Josue Arias Pitcher Dominican Republic Lisandro Bonifacio Hitter Dominican Republic Rafael Brito Pitcher Venezuela Jhon Cabral Pitcher Dominican Republic Willian Campos Pitcher Venezuela Rafael Castaneda Pitcher Mexico Walin Castillo Pitcher Dominican Republic Luis Cesar Pitcher Dominican Republic Byron Chourio Hitter Venezuela Juan De La Cruz Pitcher Dominican Republic $150,000 Rodolfo De La Cruz Pitcher Dominican Republic Kengri De Los Santos Hitter Dominican Republic Eliazar Dishmey Pitcher Dominican Republic Eiver Espinoza Pitcher Venezuela Kendry Feliz Hitter Dominican Republic Jarol Fernández Pitcher Cuba $10,000 José Fernández Pitcher Dominican Republic Johandry Fuente Pitcher Dominican Republic Julio García Pitcher Dominican Republic José Gerardo Hitter* Dominican Republic $180,000 Danny González Hitter Dominican Republic $150,000 Julio Henriquez Hitter Dominican Republic Angel Hernández Pitcher Mexico Leandro Hernández Pitcher Cuba Elvin Jiménez Pitcher Dominican Republic Liomar Martínez Pitcher Dominican Republic $80,000 Julio Méndez Pitcher Venezuela José Monserrate Hitter Dominican Republic Franklyn Moreta Pitcher Dominican Republic Deivis Mosquera Hitter Venezuela Gregory Mota Hitter Dominican Republic Cherif Neymour Hitter Bahamas Lester Nin Pitcher Dominican Republic Kevin Novoa Hitter Nicaragua Juan Ortega Pitcher Colombia Victor Ortega Hitter Mexico Johan Palacios Pitcher Venezuela Antony Peguero Hitter Dominican Republic $575,000 Michael Pérez Pitcher Dominican Republic Robert Pérez Hitter Dominican Republic Albert Polanco Pitcher Dominican Republic Luis Ramírez Pitcher Dominican Republic Erinson Reyes Pitcher Dominican Republic Nestor Rios Hitter Mexico José Rivera Hitter Dominican Republic Darwin Rodríguez Two-Way** Venezuela Juan Rodríguez Hitter Venezuela Luifer Romero Pitcher Venezuela Cristian Rueda Pitcher Venezuela Carlos Sánchez Hitter Venezuela Braulio Salas Pitcher Dominican Republic Elian Serrata Pitcher Dominican Republic Toby Simmons Hitter Bahamas Yoffry Solano Hitter Dominican Republic $750,000 Santiago Suárez Pitcher Venezuela $385,000 Alfonso Suriel Pitcher Dominican Republic Fraylin Suriel Pitcher Dominican Republic Roosevelt Trinidad Pitcher Dominican Republic Nicolas Uriepero Pitcher Venezuela Jonas Uzcategui Pitcher Venezuela Marco Vargas Hitter Mexico $17,500 Mado Villegas Pitcher Dominican Republic *Converted to pitcher in 2025 **As of January 2026, has only been used as a pitcher 2020-21 International scouting director: Fernando Seguignol Total bonus pool: $6,431,000 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Steven Adderley Hitter Bahamas Oscar Araba Pitcher Panama Andre Arthur Hitter Bahamas Luis Baldiris Pitcher Venezuela Yoelvis Burguillos Pitcher Venezuela Yiddi Cappe Hitter Cuba $3,500,000 Reiner Chourio Hitter Venezuela Oscar Colina Hitter Venezuela Franyer Duarte Pitcher Dominican Republic Edward Duran Hitter Dominican Republic Kevin Guerrero Hitter Dominican Republic $600,000 Gerardo Hernández Pitcher Dominican Republic Jesús Hernández Hitter Venezuela Ronald Hernández Hitter Venezuela $850,000 Jesús León Pitcher Mexico Natanael Polanco Pitcher Dominican Republic Juan Reynoso Pitcher Dominican Republic Yaqui Rivera Pitcher Dominican Republic Jhoniel Serrano Pitcher Venezuela Dameivi Tineo Pitcher Dominican Republic Jesús Zabaleta Pitcher Colombia 2019-20 International scouting director: Fernando Seguignol Original bonus pool: $5,939,800 (traded for an additional $250,000) Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Stiven Almanzar Pitcher Dominican Republic José Bazan Pitcher Panama Juan Caba Pitcher Dominican Republic Wander De La Rosa Pitcher Dominican Republic Wilmer Dilonex Pitcher Dominican Republic Gabriel Flores Hitter Venezuela Renny Hidalgo Hitter Venezuela Ian Lewis Hitter Bahamas $950,000 Cristian Millan Pitcher Venezuela Euri Montero Pitcher Dominican Republic Kendry Montesino Pitcher Dominican Republic Ronard Paulino Pitcher Dominican Republic Eury Pérez Pitcher Dominican Republic $200,000 Jean Reyes Pitcher Venezuela Miguel Rodríguez Hitter Dominican Republic José Rojas Pitcher Venezuela Germain Ruiz Hitter Panama José Salas Hitter Venezuela $2,800,000 Junior Sánchez Hitter Dominican Republic $1,150,000 Javier Sanoja Hitter Venezuela $90,000 Luis Vizcaíno Pitcher Dominican Republic 2018-19 International scouting director: Fernando Seguignol Original bonus pool: $6,025,400 (traded for an additional $2,500,000) Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Sandro Bargallo Pitcher Cuba $200,000 Raul Campos Hitter Cuba Erick Carrasco Pitcher Dominican Republic Isaac De Leon Hitter Dominican Republic $275,000 Mario Doble Pitcher Dominican Republic Breidy Encarnación Pitcher Dominican Republic Luis González Pitcher Cuba Ene León Hitter Venezuela Maycold León Pitcher Venezuela Luis López Pitcher Panama $150,000 Manuel Medina Pitcher Venezuela Jhonny Melenciano Hitter Dominican Republic $200,000 Jorge Mercedes Pitcher Dominican Republic $90,000 Victor Mesa Jr. Hitter Cuba $1,000,000 Victor Victor Mesa Hitter Cuba $5,250,000 Iván Pérez Pitcher Dominican Republic Guillermo Ramírez Pitcher Dominican Republic Cristhian Rodríguez Hitter Venezuela $300,000 Richard Roman Hitter Dominican Republic Yoelvis Sánchez Hitter Dominican Republic $400,000 Luis Tejeda Pitcher Dominican Republic Jeremias Vásquez Pitcher Dominican Republic Derek Vegas Hitter Venezuela 2017-18 Director of international operations: Albert Gonzalez Total bonus pool: $5,250,000 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Delvis Alegre Pitcher Dominican Republic Jonathan Chinchilla Hitter Venezuela Anthony Felipe Hitter Dominican Republic Jhean Flores Pitcher Venezuela Adonis Giron Hitter Dominican Republic $350,000 Yeuris Jiménez Pitcher Dominican Republic Julio Machado Hitter Venezuela $325,000 Ynmanol Mariñez Hitter Dominican Republic $1,500,000 Josan Méndez Pitcher Dominican Republic Jhonaiker Osorio Hitter Venezuela Elvin Ozoria Hitter Dominican Republic Sergio Palacio Pitcher Colombia Jandel Paulino Hitter Dominican Republic Zaquiel Puentes Pitcher Venezuela Carlos Romero Hitter Venezuela Frank Valera Pitcher Dominican Republic 2016-17 Director of international operations: Albert Gonzalez Total bonus pool: $3,569,600 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Lázaro Alonso Hitter Cuba $100,000 Franklin Brioso Pitcher Dominican Republic $135,000 Raul Brito Pitcher Dominican Republic Jorge Caballero Hitter Venezuela Brhayan Campos Hitter Venezuela Arquimedes Cumana Hitter Venezuela $120,000 Brayan De Paula Pitcher Dominican Republic Danyeli Espinal Hitter Dominican Republic Walner Espinal Hitter Dominican Republic Rafael Eysseric Pitcher Panama Jeremy Galindez Pitcher Venezuela Joseph Gilma Hitter Dominican Republic Albert Guaimaro Hitter Venezuela $800,000 Danielsan Heureaux Hitter Dominican Republic Shao-Pin Ho Hitter Taiwan Omar Lebron Hitter Dominican Republic Edgar Martínez Pitcher Dominican Republic Leudy Martínez Pitcher Dominican Republic $175,000 Enmanuel Mercedes Pitcher Dominican Republic Alvaro Montero Hitter Dominican Republic Winston Mora Pitcher Venezuela Luis Palacios Pitcher Venezuela Daniel Paulino Hitter Dominican Republic Miguel Peña Hitter Colombia Bryan Pineda Hitter Dominican Republic $300,000 Yoilan Quiñonez Pitcher Venezuela Juan Reyes Pitcher Dominican Republic Christopher Rodríguez Hitter Dominican Republic $150,000 Eliezer Rodríguez Pitcher Dominican Republic Dalvy Rosario Hitter Dominican Republic $125,000 Jesús Rosario Pitcher Dominican Republic Edgar Sánchez Pitcher Dominican Republic Maicol Sosa Hitter Dominican Republic Henry Valencio Pitcher Dominican Republic 2015-16 Director of international operations: Albert Gonzalez Total bonus pool: $2,779,300 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Elkin Alcala Pitcher Colombia Ezequiel Alfonzo Hitter Venezuela Luis Arcaya Hitter Venezuela $220,000 Bryan Biegel Hitter Curacao Diego Brito Hitter Dominican Republic Edward Cabrera Pitcher Dominican Republic $100,000 Miguel De Los Santos Pitcher Dominican Republic Jerar Encarnación Hitter Dominican Republic $78,000 Javier García Pitcher Panama $65,000 Jhon García Hitter Venezuela Yeremin Lara Pitcher Dominican Republic $100,000 Wandy Moya Pitcher Dominican Republic Gerardo Nuñez Hitter Dominican Republic Mario Prenza Hitter Dominican Republic $550,000 Wilkerman Rasquin Hitter Venezuela $150,000 Rosandel Reyna Hitter Dominican Republic Enmanuel Rodríguez Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Rayner Rodríguez Pitcher Dominican Republic $100,000 David Sacaria Hitter U.S. Virgin Islands Jesús Sánchez Pitcher Panama George Soriano Pitcher Dominican Republic $55,000 Edison Suriel Pitcher Dominican Republic $140,000 Juan Ureña Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 José Vilera Hitter Venezuela $150,000 Jonaiker Villalobos Pitcher Venezuela Luis Wilmore Pitcher Dominican Republic 2014-15 Director of international operations: Albert Gonzalez Total bonus pool: $4,622,400 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Félix Arosemena Hitter Panama Gabriel Báez Pitcher Dominican Republic Welbin Bautista Hitter Dominican Republic Juan Borges Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Christian Capellan Hitter Dominican Republic $500,000 Anderson Castro Hitter Venezuela $600,000 Samuel Castro Hitter Dominican Republic $150,000 Fauri Cetin Pitcher Dominican Republic Dailyn De Oleo Pitcher Dominican Republic Miguel Figuereo Hitter Dominican Republic Julio Frias Pitcher Dominican Republic Daniel Garboza Pitcher Venezuela Javier García Pitcher Panama Alberto Guerrero Pitcher Panama $300,000 Edin Liriano Pitcher Dominican Republic José Lizarraga Hitter Mexico Luis Mojica Pitcher Dominican Republic $275,000 Luis Muñoz Hitter Cuba Yuniel Ramírez Hitter Cuba Ronal Reynoso Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Marcos Rivera Hitter Dominican Republic Sleyter Soto Hitter Dominican Republic Anderson Vera Pitcher Venezuela Andrés Villalobos Hitter Venezuela $350,000 2013-14 Director of international operations: Albert Gonzalez Total bonus pool: $2,695,200 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Leisman Acosta Hitter Venezuela Luis Alcala Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Carlos Artiles Pitcher Dominican Republic Mauricio Atizol Pitcher Dominican Republic Eliezer Cuello Pitcher Dominican Republic Ronny Fermin Pitcher Dominican Republic Pablo García Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Eddy González Pitcher Dominican Republic Endy Guaba Hitter Dominican Republic Jesús Guerrero Hitter Panama Josue Guzman Hitter Dominican Republic Elias Hernández Pitcher Venezuela Garvis Lara Hitter Dominican Republic $100,000 Humberto Mejía Pitcher Panama $50,000 Galvi Moscat Hitter Dominican Republic Emmanuel Nere Hitter Dominican Republic Benito Olivo Hitter Dominican Republic Cristian Olmos Pitcher Colombia Jeremy Ovalle Pitcher Dominican Republic $200,000 Ermel Peña Hitter Dominican Republic José Quijada Pitcher Venezuela Yefry Reyes Hitter Dominican Republic Jonathan Rodríguez Pitcher Manny Rodríguez Pitcher Venezuela Jhonny Santos Hitter Panama $355,000 Juan Silvestre Pitcher Dominican Republic Isael Soto Hitter Dominican Republic $320,000 Roberto Tejada Pitcher Dominican Republic Brayan Ulloa Pitcher Dominican Republic Jefferson Vergara Pitcher Venezuela 2012-13 Director of international operations: Albert Gonzalez Total bonus pool: $2,900,000 Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Bonus Ayron Adames Pitcher Dominican Republic Francisco Aquino Pitcher Dominican Republic Félix Bautista Pitcher Dominican Republic Rony Cabrera Hitter Venezuela Anderson De Leon Pitcher Dominican Republic Jorge Heredia Hitter Dominican Republic José Jaramillo Pitcher Venezuela Francis Martes Pitcher Dominican Republic $87,000 Cristofer Ogando Pitcher Dominican Republic Yobanis Pinto Hitter Panama Jonathan Richards Hitter Dominican Republic Leonel Ruiz Pitcher Venezuela Alberto Sánchez Hitter Dominican Republic $85,000 Geuris Santana Hitter Dominican Republic Edgar Solano Hitter Dominican Republic Pre-bonus pool era The following players signed by the Marlins as international amateur free agents between the franchise's inception and June 25, 2012 went on to have MLB careers (some more notable than others): Name Hitter/Pitcher Country Signing Year Denny Bautista Pitcher Dominican Republic 2000 Yorman Bazardo Pitcher Venezuela 2000 Ronald Belisario Pitcher Venezuela 1999 Miguel Cabrera Hitter Venezuela 1999 Arquimedes Caminero Pitcher Dominican Republic 2005 Luis Castillo Hitter Dominican Republic 1992 Miguel Del Pozo Pitcher Dominican Republic 2010 Amaury García Hitter Dominican Republic 1992 Jarlin García Pitcher Dominican Republic 2010 Domingo Germán Pitcher Dominican Republic 2009 Álex González Hitter Venezuela 1994 Liván Hernández Pitcher Cuba 1996 Jhan Mariñez Pitcher Dominican Republic 2006 Marcell Ozuna Hitter Dominican Republic 2008 Edgar Rentería Hitter Colombia 1992 José Ureña Pitcher Dominican Republic 2008 Rick van den Hurk Pitcher Netherlands 2002 Claudio Vargas Pitcher Dominican Republic 1995

The Miami Marlins are unafraid to be bold and innovative with their player development methods, but implementing a four-man outfield defensive alignment throughout the organization feels like it would be a bridge too far, even for them. So how is this going to work? The Marlins already had good outfield depth entering the 2025-26 offseason. Several recent trades have bolstered that area to such an extent, I'm struggling with the rudimentary math. Barring undisclosed injuries and/or off-the-field issues, it will take immense creativity to manage playing time at the position, from Beloit all the way up to Miami. Let's do a rough projection of Opening Day assignments for Marlins outfielders. Players with the "UTIL" label are candidates for infield reps. MLB: Jakob Marsee, Kyle Stowers, Owen Caissie, Heriberto Hernández, Griffin Conine (UTIL), Javier Sanoja (UTIL), Christopher Morel (UTIL) The Marlins have expressed a willingness to use both Conine and Morel at first base, despite both being neophytes at the position. Sanoja would be Marsee's center field backup in this scenario, but receive the rest of his reps at second base, third base and shortstop. Triple-A: Kemp Alderman, Matthew Etzel, Victor Mesa Jr., Esteury Ruiz, Andrew Pintar, Mark Coley II, Jacob Berry (UTIL) Poor Daniel Johnson signed his minor league deal before Miami traded Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers. The prospects acquired in exchange have quickly made Johnson expendable—he'll need to ball out in spring training just to merit a roster spot in Jacksonville. Watching Berry at any of the infield positions is an eyesore, but with all of these other outfield mouths to feed, expect to see him used frequently on the dirt. Double-A: Fenwick Trimble, Brendan Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ethan O'Donnell, Colby Shade, Eric Rataczak (UTIL), Michael Snyder (UTIL) This looks a lot tidier if we assume that Rataczak and Snyder will transition to first base and platoon there. High-A: Dillon Head, Cam Cannarella, Brandon Compton, Emaarion Boyd, Micah McDowell, Ian Lewis (UTIL), Jesús Hernández (UTIL) I also considered Esmil Valencia, Andrés Valor, Max Williams, Jacob Jenkins-Cowart and PJ Morlando for spots on the Sky Carp. I suspect that none of these players will be starting on a daily basis throughout the entire season. The logjam puts the onus on Marlins coaches to get everybody on board with sacrificing individual playing time so that their teammates can be adequately evaluated.

A social media post from the official Miami Marlins account indicates that they will be revamping one of their alternate uniforms in 2026. The short video posted on Monday night shows the team's standard cap as well as the Retrowave cap that they added last season for Saturday home games, followed by a handwritten sign that says "SUNDAY ALT." Finally, two number sequences flash on the screen, 02072026 and 03292026. Those represent the dates February 7 and March 29, implying that the uniform will be revealed during Marlins FanFest and debut on the field during the first Sunday home game of the regular season. In 2024 and 2025, the Marlins used bright blue uniforms as their Sunday alternates. That will continue to be their primary uniform for spring training games. But teal has always had a special place in Marlins fans' hearts, and this new landing page strongly suggests it's making a comeback. So does this drone footage from the National Hockey League, shot at loanDepot park to hype up the NHL Winter Classic. Are you excited for throwbacks to return to the Marlins' uniform rotation?

On Monday, the Miami Marlins signed Jesús Tinoco to a minor league deal. The 30-year-old right-hander spent 2025 with the Marlins, but he was squeezed off their 40-man roster after the season and elected free agency when the club outrighted him to the minors. Overall, Tinoco has spent parts of three seasons with Miami (2020, 2024-25). Across 51 total innings pitched (44 G/0 GS), he has posted a 2.98 FIP (3.00 ERA) with a 22.3 K% and 8.3 BB%. He set a career-high with four saves last year. A trade deadline day waiver claim in 2024, Tinoco was arguably the best arm in the Marlins bullpen down the stretch of that 100-loss season. He never looked quite right in 2025, though. On June 6, the Marlins placed him on the injured list with a right forearm strain. In early September, he underwent a hybrid UCL reconstruction and flexor tendon surgery. If Tinoco's rehab progresses normally, he should be cleared to begin a throwing program at some point during spring training. However, it's unlikely that he'll make any MLB appearances in 2026. Former teammate Declan Cronin, who had his own elbow surgery in September, signed a two-year minor league deal with the Texas Rangers in anticipation of being full-go for 2027. Tinoco's contract is probably structured similarly.

The Miami Marlins have signed outfielder Daniel Johnson to a minor league deal for the 2026 season, Johnson announced Friday on social media. It includes an invite to spring training. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2016, Johnson has spent time with six different MLB organizations, most recently the Baltimore Orioles, who outrighted him to the minors at the start of this offseason. The 30-year-old California native is a lifetime .196/.243/.322 hitter (53 wRC+) in 67 career games at the big league level. He's a plus runner who can contribute at all three outfield positions. Johnson just finished playing winter ball with Mexico's Naranjeros de Hermosillo. It is hard enough for NRIs to crack an Opening Day roster under normal conditions and Johnson faces a particularly steep uphill battle. Following this week's acquisition of Owen Caissie, the Marlins are loaded with left-handed-hitting outfielders. Expect him to begin the season with Triple-A Jacksonville. In addition to Johnson, the Marlins have also signed Jesús Bastidas, Evan McKendry, Brian Navarreto, Jack Ralston, Samuel Vásquez and Tyler Zuber to minor league deals this offseason.

Less than 24 hours after the Edward Cabrera trade was announced, Ely Sussman, Alex Carver, Isaac Azout, Kevin Barral and Sean McCormack discuss the timing of the deal and the three-player package that the Miami Marlins received in return. They also cover the club's negotiations with arbitration-eligible players in advance of Thursday's salary figure exchange deadline (all of them reached settlements except for Calvin Faucher) and the end of Miami's partnership with FanDuel Sports Network Florida. You can find Fish On First LIVE on the Fish On First YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your pods. Our audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. President of baseball operations Peter Bendix elaborated on each of the players involved in the Cabrera deal during a virtual media availability. Anthony Bender ($2.81M salary), Braxton Garrett ($1.53M), Ryan Weathers ($1.35M), Max Meyer and Andrew Nardi each reached settlements with the Marlins on one-year deals, avoiding arbitration. After filing at $2.05M and $1.8M, respectively, Faucher is expected to take the club to a hearing, where an independent panel will determine his salary for the 2026 season. The nine MLB teams who still had affiliations with Main Street Sports Group have terminated those contracts. The most likely outcome for the Marlins is utilizing the league's in-house production and distribution system moving forward, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. Follow Ely (@RealEly), Alex (@marlinsminors), Isaac (@IsaacAzout), Kevin (@kevin_barral), Sean (@heeysean8) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com.

Thursday was the deadline for Major League Baseball teams to exchange salary figures with their arbitration-eligible players. The Miami Marlins avoided arbitration hearings with five of the six players in their 2026 class, with reliever Calvin Faucher as the lone exception. It is customary for arb-eligible players to receive salary increases from the previous year, even if they struggled. However, because left-hander Braxton Garrett missed the entire 2025 campaign due to Tommy John surgery, he has settled for an identical salary this season. Edward Cabrera would've been the highest earner in Miami's 2026 arbitration class, but he was recently dealt to the Chicago Cubs. Cabrera settled at $4.45 million with his new employer. RHP Anthony Bender Third year of arbitration eligibility Settled at $2.81 million RHP Calvin Faucher First year of arbitration eligibility Did not reach a settlement; Marlins filed at $1.8 million, Faucher filed at $2.05 million LHP Braxton Garrett Second year of arbitration eligibility Settled at $1.53 million LHP Ryan Weathers First year of arbitration eligibility Settled at $1.35 million RHP Max Meyer First year of arbitration eligibility Settled at $980,000 LHP Andrew Nardi First year of arbitration eligibility Settled at $800,000 Faucher's hearing will take place in Arizona at some point between January 26 and February 13.

Miami Marlins fans have been watching games on the same regional sports network for decades. It has gone by many different names, most recently FanDuel Sports Network Florida. Beginning with the 2026 season, the way that Marlins television broadcasts are distributed may finally change. From Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal regarding Main Street Sports Group, which owns all of the FanDuel Sports Network affiliates: MLB sources said the St. Louis Cardinals—who did not receive their December rights fee payment—have already informed Main Street they are opting out barring a lucrative 11th hour “final, final offer.” Those same sources also expect six of the other eight MLB teams tied to Main Street will similarly leave—the Brewers, Reds, Royals, Tigers, Angels and Marlins—and that the Braves are considering an exit, as well. Main Street had been trying to sell itself to sports streaming platform DAZN, but those talks are collapsing. If unable to complete a sale, Main Street plans to cease operations at the end of the NBA and NHL regular seasons in April, Friend previously reported. In recent years, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers have broken up with Main Street. Their games are now available to be streamed in-market through MLB.TV. Given that precedent and the timing of this news with Opening Day less than three months away, MLB.TV is seemingly the most likely solution for the Marlins. However, there's also the case of the NHL's Florida Panthers—another Main Street defector—that partnered with Scripps Sports beginning in 2024. The club has not commented on their plans as of Thursday morning.

Signed by the Marlins via international free agency in 2026 January 2026 update: Solarte has a tall, rangy frame with explosive athleticism, which shows up with his bat speed and ability to crush balls with some of the best raw power in his signing class. Given his physical upside, it’s an easy projection to plus raw power that could end up being a plus-plus tool. Players as big and long-limbed as Solarte typically have holes that lead to swing-and-miss, and while that probably will come with the territory, Solarte is able to keep his swing relatively tight and clean for a young hitter his size, giving him a better chance to tap into his power in games. There aren’t many shortstops who are as tall as the 6'6" Solarte, but he’s remarkably coordinated. A fluid, graceful mover, he has the athleticism, actions, body control and above-average arm that will give him a chance to stay at the position at higher levels. FOF Top 30 history January 2026: #20

Acquired by the Marlins via international free agency in 2026 January 2026 update: Muñoz is one of the most dynamic, explosive athletes in his signing class. There isn’t a ton of physical projection remaining in his 5'10" frame, but he has a powerful lower half with plus-plus speed. Thanks to his superlative hand speed, Muñoz whips the barrel through the zone, helping him produce loud, long line drives with home run power to his pull side when he’s on time. In the field, Muñoz has the hands, quick footwork and agility to stick in the middle infield long term.