Fish On First Staff

Drafted by the Marlins in 2020 (second round, $2.4M signing bonus) October 2025 update: Unwilling to risk potentially losing him via the Rule 5 draft, the Marlins selected Fulton to their 40-man roster in advance of the 2025 season, even with there being a slim chance of him contributing to the big league club this year. Fulton's command was below average throughout his age-23 season and he doesn't hold baserunners as effectively as most left-handers. His signature curveball is a plus offering that induces chases below the strike zone. He is trending toward a long-term role as a two-pitch middle reliever. Fulton will enter 2026 with two minor league options left. Four-seam fastball eHlQT1ZfV0ZRVkV3dEdEUT09X1ZBUlZYVlFNVWdZQUNGY0VBQUFIVWc0RkFBQlJVRmdBQjFJQ0Fnc0ZVRkJTQWd0VA==.mp4 Curveball eHlQT1ZfV0ZRVkV3dEdEUT09X0RnZ0RWZ1VCQjFZQVdWcFJVUUFIQWxBREFGZ0VCbGdBQlFSUUNGY0JWMUlIQ1ZSZQ==.mp4 Changeup eHlQT1ZfV0ZRVkV3dEdEUT09X0RsUUVYVjBFQkFVQUQxWlhCUUFIQ1FSWEFBTURWMVlBQ2wwTkFWRU5CMVlEQUFRRA==.mp4 Injury history Tommy John surgery (x2) in 2019 and 2023 FOF Top 30 history March 2024: #8 May 2024: #10 July 2024: #10 August 2024: #15 October 2024: #15 December 2024: #15 January 2025: #17 March 2025: #14 May 2025: #13 June 2025: #12 August 2025: #27 September 2025: #26

Drafted by the Marlins in 2022 (first round, $6M signing bonus) January 2026 update: Berry's bat has been extremely streaky in the pros. He began 2023, 2024 and 2025 with multiple months of struggling with his plate discipline and power, only to catch fire during the ensuing summers. He has plus contact ability from both sides of the plate. The Marlins haven't been able to find a defensive home for Berry. They drafted him as a third baseman. After recurring issues with his reaction time and the accuracy of his throws, there has been experimentation with him as a right fielder and second baseman. In 22 games played during the 2025-26 Puerto Rican Winter League season, Berry slashed .300/.405/.386 with two home runs and two stolen bases. He was a full-time right fielder over there. Injury history Right middle finger sprain and foot in 2023 Foot in 2025 Professional awards/accolades/milestones 2023, 2024 & 2025 spring training non-roster invitee FOF Top 30 history March 2024: #14 May 2024: #21 July 2024: #26 October 2024: honorable mention

Signed by the Marlins in 2024 ($1.4M bonus) June 2026 update: Cova demonstrates remarkable bat-to-ball skills and blazing speed. Over the course of two Dominican Summer League seasons, he totaled more walks (69) than strikeouts (63). He closed out the 2025 campaign with a 36-game on-base streak It was more of the same in his first 18 Florida Complex League games, posting a 131 wRC+. That has earned him another promotion to the Low-A level. 57tecv_1.mp4 Professional awards/accolades 2025 DSL Marlins MVP FOF Top 30 history March 2024: #5 May 2024: #6 July 2024: #12 August 2024: #17 October 2024: #16 December 2024: #16 January 2025: #19 March 2025: #21 May 2025: #20 June 2025: #19 August 2025: #13 September 2025: #12 October 2025: #10 January 2026: #12 April 2026: #12

Drafted by the Marlins in 2023 (Comp Round A, $4.1M signing bonus) September 2025 update: A month shy of his 21st birthday, White has been promoted to Triple-A. He forced the front office's hand by holding the opposition scoreless in four of his last six Double-A starts, including the first 14-strikeout game by a Marlins minor leaguer in more than a decade. White has wasted no time filling in his 6'5" frame, allowing him to sustain upper-90s fastball velocity and occasionally touch triple digits. He racks up swinging strikes with his sweeper and changeup, and is additionally experimenting with a cutter. If White develops even average command, he'll be a frontline MLB starter. Pitch mix Injury history Index finger soreness and back discomfort (2025) Right oblique strain (2026) Professional awards/accolades/milestones 2024 and 2025 Futures Game selection 2024 Marlins Minor League Pitcher of the Year 2024 High-A Beloit MVP 2024 Midwest League All-Star 2025 Southern League Pitcher of the Week 2025 Double-A Pensacola MVP 2025 All-MiLB Prospect Second Team FOF Top 30 history March 2024: #2 May 2024: #1 July 2024: #1 August 2024: #1 October 2024: #1 December 2024: #1 January 2025: #1 March 2025: #1 May 2025: #1 June 2025: #1 August 2025: #1 September 2025: #1 October 2025: #1 January 2026: #1 April 2026: #1

The 32nd installment of Marlins Jeopardy is the first to feature a previous champion of the real Jeopardy! television program. Do they have as much knowledge about the Miami Marlins as other subjects? Let's find out... Every Marlins Jeopardy show includes an entire category of audience-submitted trivia. Use the form embedded below to be considered (click here if the form isn't appearing for you). Easy trivia is just as useful as the hard stuff! Just be accurate and creative. If you are a FOF SuperSub, your submissions are more likely to be selected. Loading…

Drafted by the Marlins in 2023 (first round, $4.5M signing bonus) January 2026 update: Meyer's first two full professional seasons have been slightly disappointing. He is a very cerebral pitcher, equipped with a slider that is an elite putaway pitch. On the other hand, his fastball, which sits in the low 90s, is neither overpowering nor consistently located well. Since the beginning of 2024, he owns the highest walk rate in the Marlins organization (min. 100 IP). Meyer completed five innings only once during the 2025 season despite being used exclusively as a starter. Pitch mix noble meyer pitch mix 2025.mp4 Professional awards/accolades 2024 Futures Game selection FOF Top 30 history March 2024: #1 May 2024: #2 July 2024: #2 August 2024: #3 October 2024: #4 December 2024: #4 January 2025: #7 March 2025: #5 May 2025: #10 June 2025: #9 August 2025: #14 September 2025: #13 October 2025: #18 January 2026: #22

At the dawn of a new year, Fish On First staffers were surveyed about their outlook for the Miami Marlins. FOF staffers Louis Addeo-Weiss, Isaac Azout, Kevin Barral, Noah Berger, Alex Carver, Laura Georgia, Alex Krutchik, Daniel Rodriguez, Hector Rodriguez, Danis Sosa and Ely Sussman contributed to this roundtable. Their responses have been lightly edited. Readers are welcome to comment below with their responses to the same five questions! 1. Aside from clinching a playoff berth, what do you consider to be the best moment of the 2023 Marlins season?Ely Sussman: Jesús Sánchez's grand slam robbery in Seattle (June 14). This Marlins team had an extraordinary knack for delivering in high-leverage situations. His catch in that crucial moment had me in total disbelief. Louis Addeo-Weiss: The 9th-inning Sunday comeback against the Yankees (August 13). Noah Berger: The comeback win over the Yankees where the team just found a way to pull off a win with their backs against the wall. Alex Carver: Jake Burger’s walk-off single on August 13. Down 7-3 going into their final at-bats in the bottom of the 9th, the Marlins scored five runs, capped by Burger’s base knock that plated the winning eighth run. Miami’s other notable recent acquisition, Josh Bell, also reached base and plated two runs in the inning, giving Marlins fans fairly instant gratification for what proved to become a very effective trade deadline for Kim Ng and company. The win gave the Marlins the series victory against their 2003 World Series opponent, the Yankees, in front of a huge crowd, making it arguably the most memorable of Miami’s many come-from-behind wins of the season. Daniel Rodriguez: Jake Burger Yankees walk-off. https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-08/13/95be5e65-fb5dd009-ff77d78a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Alex Krutchik: The run that Josh Bell went on when he arrived in Miami. Isaac Azout: The Marlins' victory on August 2 over Philadelphia. It was the debut of Miami's lengthened lineup featuring Josh Bell and Jake Burger, and the Fish won in 12 innings. They may have gotten lucky with a Trea Turner error in the 12th, but it still counts! https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-08/02/23e0199d-47e74caf-d7bbc58d-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Kevin Barral: The comeback win against the Yankees certainly has to be at the top. That win began to give me a feeling that this team was legit. Hector Rodriguez: Luis Arraez’s chase for .400. Laura Georgia: Acquisition of Bell/Burger—offensive spark plugs when the Marlins needed it! Danis Sosa: Sweeping the Braves in September, especially the Saturday game where they came back from getting hit hard to winning 11-5 and then blowing them out Sunday 16-2. https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-09/16/7859eb7d-0f88a3d0-a6942539-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4 2. Which "forgotten" Marlins player who dealt with struggles and/or injuries in 2023 are you most excited about moving forward?Photo by Mark Brown/Getty ImagesEly: Several young pitchers fall into this category, but I'm intrigued by the range of possible Max Meyer outcomes. There is a universe where he puts up Eury Pérez-esque rookie numbers; there's another where he doesn't trust his non-slider offerings enough to succeed as a starter. Meyer was carving up Triple-A opponents when he was last fully healthy and I'm optimistic that some of that will translate to the highest level. Noah: I wouldn't really classify him as "forgotten," but I am excited to see how Trevor Rogers bounces back from his struggles with not just injuries, but his confidence. Carver: Max Meyer. If the Marlins, who will be without their Cy Young-winning ace, are going to be competitive again in 2024, they will need arms to step up to fill that void. Leading up to his big league call-up in 2022, Meyer was a top prospect who used a filthy slider and mid-90s heat to mow through minor league competition all the way through the AAA level. After getting the call, Meyer made just two starts before notably going down with an injury that required Tommy John surgery. According to Christina DeNicola of MLB.com, Meyer has since returned to throwing regularly and is on schedule to be ready for spring training. How will he look after surgery? Will he be on any kind of innings limit? Can he continue to develop his third pitch changeup and stick as a starter or is he a better fit for the bullpen long term? Meyer is capable and self-assured to answer those inquiries favorably. If he does, the Marlins will be a much better squad in 2024 and beyond. Daniel: Max Meyer. Krutchik: Trevor Rogers. We’ve seen what he looks like when everything clicks. And I’m excited to see what that looks like over 20-30 starts Isaac: Trevor Rogers. He is going to come back and be the best #3 starter in the league. Kevin: Trevor Rogers seemed like he was finally back on track right before going out with his first initial injury against the San Francisco Giants. He is going to be a big piece for Miami this upcoming season, especially with the loss on Sandy. Hector: Max Meyer. Laura: Forgotten might be a stretch, but I'm going to go with Trevor Rogers. His foundational season (2021) was a great rebound from the struggles of the COVID-shortened 2020 season. It would also be great timing to see him employ the same kind of turn around and have success in 2024. Fingers crossed for a healthy spring. Danis: I’m excited about a healthy Max Meyer trying to pick up where he left off in 2022 before Tommy John. 3. If the Marlins sign only one player this offseason to a long-term extension (4+ years), who should it be?Photo by Danis Sosa/Fish On FirstEly: Luis Arraez. He is the ultimate floor-raiser and tone-setter. He genuinely wants to stay with the Marlins, but if an extension doesn't get done now, it will become much more difficult/expensive to convince him to settle when free agency awaits him after the 2025 season. Louis: Luis Arraez—5-yr/$87.5M ($20M club option for 2029). Noah: Jesús Luzardo, with Luis Arraez being equally, if not more, important. Carver: Eury Pérez. In recent years, the Marlins were known as arguably the best system in baseball for finding and developing young arms. The poster child for that reputation is the "Baby Goat," Pérez. An international signing at age 16, the 6’8” righty flew through the Marlins system in just three years and became the youngest player to toe the rubber for the Miami franchise last season. In 91 ⅓ innings, the enigmatic Pérez showed off amazing potential by holding down a 3.15 ERA and by striking out 108 batters while walking just 31. The Marlins were very cautious with Pérez's transition to the big leagues, placing him on an innings limit, but that restriction will undoubtedly be loosened in 2024. Still just 20 years old, Perez simply has one of the most advanced skillsets ever seen in the history of this franchise. Needing to retain big league-ready pitching and build their pitching core back up, the Marlins have the opportunity to do so around close friends Pérez and Alcantara. Although Pérez is still not even arbitration eligible until 2027, he will only become more expensive as days and years wear on. Proactively getting Pérez under contract for the long term right now would be a viable move for Bendix & Co. from multiple standpoints including business, on-field, and PR between Pérez and his representation. Daniel: Eury Pérez. Krutchik: Luis Arraez. As great as Jesús Luzardo and Eury Pérez are, the Marlins haven’t shown they can develop a bat. So they should hold onto Arraez as tightly as they can. Isaac: Luis Arraez. I would say Eury, but they have him for another five years. Arraez is more time-sensitive to get done. Worried he might fall out of Miami's price range when he wins his third consecutive batting title. Kevin: As much as I want to say Eury Pérez, I feel like it has to be Luis Arraez. You need to lock up your best hitter and he has said that he would like to stay here in Miami. Hector: Luis Arraez. Laura: Luis Arraez. For my money, this is a no-brainer. Danis: Just going by talent and ignoring his injury history, Jazz. Arraez would be my 2nd pick. 4. What's the biggest weakness that the Marlins still need to address between now and Opening Day?Ely: Their biggest weakness for 2024 and beyond is the shortstop position. A carousel of Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, Xavier Edwards and Jacob Amaya would be unacceptable. Unfortunately, this MLB free agent class doesn't have satisfactory solutions there and none of the teams with controllable, solid-quality shortstops seem eager to shop them. I would attempt to trade for the Brewers' Willy Adames and immediately extend him—six years, $144M with an opt-out after the third year—but I highly doubt Bruce Sherman would be on board with that kind of expenditure. Due to the Marlins' combination of frugality and inadequate player development, they're stuck. Louis: Replacing the 36 home runs Jorge Soler hit in 2023. Noah: As much as I love Jon Berti and Nick Fortes, it's glaringly obvious that the Marlins need to address the shortstop and catcher positions. I'm not worried so much about the DH position because that can very easily be a revolving position to give guys rest at other positions. Carver: Shortstop. In the current state, the Marlins’ starting shortstop is likely Jon Berti backed up by Xavier Edwards. Berti, while a fine super utility, is not an everyday player. Edwards is athletic enough to fake it at the position and made a solid impression leading to his big league call last season, but he is far better served at second base. Also, the switch-hitter still has a bit to prove offensively, particularly in the department of succeeding against righties and consistency of plus contact. Putting the extra pressure of a fairly unfamiliar position on him for the course of a full season is probably not the best route to go with his development. Without any other MLB ready-shortstops available in the minors right now, this is a must-address position for 2024. Daniel: Starting pitching, shortstop, not wanting to spend money. Krutchik: Shortstop. Specifically, a shortstop that can hit above .200. Isaac: Where to start (kidding). Shortstop without a doubt. Kevin: Shortstop. With what the Marlins have right now, that just simply isn’t enough. Even if it is a below-league-average hitter, you can’t rely on a platoon of Jon Berti and Xavier Edwards to be an everyday shortstop. Hector: Catcher. Laura: Consistent offense that's still flexible enough for some creative lineups when that's called for. And let's give newly promoted (hitting coach) John Mabry a hefty workload. Danis: At this point, catcher with shortstop a close 2nd. 5. What would the Marlins' record be in 2024 using their current roster?Ely: Similar run production as 2023, similar run prevention as 2023, just not the same clutch performance as 2023, plus a high probability of trading away veterans at the deadline. 74-88. Louis: Regression to the mean of what their 2023 run differential suggested: 72-76 wins. Noah: 83-79. Carver: Still with holes at catcher and shortstop, the departure of a 40+ home run hitter, the absence of Sandy, some question marks on the defensive side of the ball, and with a thinner minor league system, if the club does nothing else for the MLB team, 2024 will be a transitionary year. If the Marlins want to re-write their identity by building back up their system, it will come at the cost of at least one losing season at the big league level. If that is the direction Bendix and his four AGMs decide to go, the Marlins will go 70-92 this coming season. Daniel: 75-87. Krutchik: 73-89. Isaac: 70-92. Kevin: 72-90. Hector: 75-87. Laura: 78-84 (.481 W-L%). Prove me wrong, Fish! Danis: I say 75-87. You have a hole in right field between García and Sánchez. No real upgrade at catcher, undecided at short. I’m excited about seeing Max Meyer potentially crack the rotation, but he is coming off Tommy John, and outside of Luzardo, how are Cabrera and Rogers going to bounce back? Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Our offseason streaming schedule is now in effect. Enjoy new hour-long episodes analyzing the Miami Marlins on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Your live comments are highly encouraged. Fish On First LIVE is presented by La Pop! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/Submit audience questions for future Marlins Jeopardy shows here. https://fishonfirst.com/marlins-jeopardy/

Our offseason streaming schedule is now in effect. Enjoy new hour-long episodes analyzing the Miami Marlins on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Your live comments are highly encouraged. Fish On First LIVE is presented by La Pop! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/

Our offseason streaming schedule is now in effect. Enjoy new hour-long episodes analyzing the Miami Marlins on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Your live comments are highly encouraged. Fish On First LIVE is presented by La Pop! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/

Our offseason streaming schedule is now in effect. Enjoy new hour-long episodes analyzing the Miami Marlins on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Your live comments are highly encouraged. Fish On First LIVE is presented by La Pop! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/

Our offseason streaming schedule is now in effect. Enjoy new hour-long episodes analyzing the Miami Marlins on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Your live comments are highly encouraged. Fish On First LIVE is presented by La Pop! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/

Our offseason streaming schedule is now in effect. Enjoy new hour-long episodes analyzing the Miami Marlins on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Your live comments are highly encouraged. Fish On First LIVE is presented by La Pop! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/

As the search for new front office leadership progresses, Fish On First's Isaac Azout, Kevin Barral and Ely Sussman rank the top prospects in the Miami Marlins organization. Prospects were evaluated based on their ceiling, floor, age, position and health, along with additional factors. Each player's previous ranking is in parentheses. An asterisk (*) means the player will be eligible for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft unless selected to the Marlins 40-man roster. 1. Noble Meyer (1)2. Max Meyer (2)3. Thomas White (9)4. Victor Mesa Jr.* (5)5. Dax Fulton (6)6. Yiddi Cappe (7)7. Troy Johnston* (23)8. Nasim Nuñez* (11)9. Jacob Berry (8)10. Xavier Edwards (13)11. Dane Myers (10)12. Jacob Amaya (12)13. Kemp Alderman (14)14. Karson Milbrandt (16)15. Jacob Miller (17)16. Javier Sanoja (unranked)17. José Gerardo (20)18. Antony Peguero (21)19. Andrés Valor (unranked)20. Will Banfield* (unranked)21. Patrick Monteverde (25)22. Cody Morissette (27)23. Yoffry Solano (29)24. Brock Vradenburg (30)25. Paul McIntosh (24)26. Fabian López (unranked)27. Anthony Maldonado* (unranked)28. Joe Mack (19)29. Jancory De La Cruz (unranked)30. Juan De La Cruz (unranked)Dropped out of the Top 30: Ian Lewis, Janero Miller includes additional analysis on many of these prospects. 1. Noble Meyer, RHP Acquired in 2023 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Low-A With their 2023 first-round draft pick, the Marlins selected Noble Meyer. Through five starts at the FCL and Low-A levels, Meyer had a 4.09 ERA, but he showed improvement from start to start, making two more scoreless appearances in the Florida State League playoffs. Although best known among evaluators for his fastball/slider combo, Meyer already has a lot of trust in his curveball as well. Hitters don't have much hope when he gets ahead in the count. Attacking the strike zone is one of the areas he still has room to grow. In recent years, the Marlins have turned many talented arms into solid MLB starting pitchers. Meyer is the safest bet in their current system to continue that tradition. —Kevin Barral2. Max Meyer, RHP Acquired in 2020 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 in MLB (injured list) Max Meyer, who underwent Tommy John surgery over a year ago, is set to be fully healthy for spring training and he will likely be in the running for a Marlins starting rotation spot. By keeping him at two, we are operating under the assumption that the quality of his stuff will be restored to what he showed before the injury. There's a high likelihood of Meyer dominating as a reliever even if he doesn't crack the rotation. —Kevin Barral3. Thomas White, LHP Acquired in 2023 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Low-AThomas White might've fallen to the Marlins in Competitive Balance Round A, but it took mid-first-round money for them to reel him in ($4.1M signing bonus). He's got similar fastball velocity to the Meyer righties with potential to add several ticks in that department as he fills out his 6'5" frame. White's curveball is a deadly putaway pitch when he's getting ahead in the count. As long as the Marlins' brightest pitching development minds survive the transition to a new front office, his promising changeup should get even better. The Massachusetts native was eased into pro ball carefully. He has more to prove in Jupiter before climbing any further up the minor league ladder. —Ely Sussman4. Victor Mesa Jr., OF Acquired in 2018 via international free agencyFinished 2023 at Double-A The more talented Mesa brother, Victor Jr. made his pro debut as a 17-year-old in the GCL, where he put up solid numbers. In 2023, he spent the entire year at Double-A Pensacola as their everyday center fielder. He slashed .242/.308/.412, good for a .720 OPS while providing above-average defense at a premium position. Boasting one of the sweeter swings in the system, "The Chosen One" has emerged as Miami's best position player prospect and could reach the majors as soon as next September. —Isaac Azout5. Dax Fulton, LHP Acquired in 2020 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Double-A (injured list)Arguably the best left-hander taken in the abbreviated 2020 draft, Miami pounced on Fulton when he was still available with the 40th overall selection. The Tommy John surgery survivor boasts both a plus curveball and plus command. In 2022, between High-A and Double-A, he pitched to a 3.74 ERA and struck out 11 batters per nine innings at age 20. Unfortunately, halfway through his 2023 season, he underwent UCL surgery yet again back in June (not a full reconstruction of the ligament). He is expected to be ready for spring training. —Isaac Azout6. Yiddi Cappe, IF Acquired in 2021 via international free agencyFinished 2023 at High-A It seemed as though Cappe might be headed for a breakout year through the first month or so of his age-20 season. Instead, it was a significant step back for him. Cappe homered only twice from May onward despite starting practically every game for the Beloit Sky Carp and posted a 55 wRC+ overall. He averaged 3.37 pitches per plate appearance—for context, only Keibert Ruiz of the Washington Nationals saw fewer pitches among qualified MLB hitters in 2023. Cappe's plate discipline was particularly poor late in the season (three walks in his final 43 games) and he became too fixated on pulling the ball. The slender Cuban has made second base his primary defensive home. He has the arm strength to fill in on the left side of the infield when needed. Cappe should be repeating the High-A level in 2024. —Ely Sussman7. Troy Johnston, 1B Acquired in 2019 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Triple-A Miami Marlins Minor League Player of the Year Troy Johnston made the biggest jump on the list, going from 23rd to seventh. Slashing .307/.399/.549/.948 with 26 home runs and 116 RBIs at AA/AAA, he became the first Marlins farmhand since 2008 to have a 20 HR/20 SB season. The only thing that held Johnston back from reaching the majors in 2023 was his lack of defensive value as somebody who only plays first base (though he was a corner outfielder earlier in his career). His MiLB production is now too incredible to ignore. A Marlins team that struggles so much offensively will find room for him if he succeeds during spring training. —Kevin Barral8. Nasim Nuñez, IF Acquired in 2019 via MLB DraftFinishing 2023 in Arizona Fall LeagueAn undersized yet gifted defensive shortstop, Nuñez has hustled, bunted and walked his way to a .358 on-base percentage in 351 games across five minor league levels. His glove alone should allow him to reach the big leagues sometime soon, as he has the best chance of anyone on this list to remain at shortstop. That being said, with a career .286 slugging percentage, he currently profiles as a Major League utility option rather than a full-fledged starter. His standout offensive skill is base-stealing—Nuñez ranked among MiLB's best with 122 steals the last two seasons. —Isaac Azout9. Jacob Berry, 1B/DH Acquired in 2022 via MLB DraftFinishing 2023 in Arizona Fall Leaguehttps://fishonfirst.com/farm/jacob-berry-arizona-fall-league-quotes/To the disdain of many, the Marlins selected Berry, one of the best pure hitters in the 2022 MLB Draft class, with the sixth overall selection out of LSU. It was a controversial pick because he had no defensive position and generated sub-optimal exit velocities from both sides of the plate. That being said, the 22-year-old showed improvement when promoted to AA Pensacola during the 2023 season (.743 OPS in 28 games). He is currently representing Miami in the Arizona Fall league where he's gotten off to a hot start. —Isaac Azout10. Xavier Edwards, IF Acquired in 2022 via tradeFinished 2023 in MLB Edwards began the 2023 AAA season playing some center field for the first time in his career. He also got looks at shortstop and third base, but he profiles best at second base. Wherever you play him, Edwards is an on-base machine with special speed and bat control. He won the International League batting title (.351 BA in 370 AB). Edwards made a nice first impression at the big league level, slashing .295/.329/.333/.663 with three RBIs and five stolen bases. He's still prospect-eligible due to limited playing time. —Kevin Barral11. Dane Myers, OF Acquired in 2022 via Rule 5 DraftFinished 2023 at Triple-A Turning 28 in March, Dane Myers is the oldest player on this list, but he has a good excuse: the former Detroit Tigers farmhand didn't get meaningful game reps as a hitter until his fifth minor league season (2021). The Marlins scooped Myers up last year in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft and he raked his way to The Show in July. He made hard contact on 26 of his first 49 MLB batted balls, per Baseball Savant, an elite 53.1% hard-hit rate. Myers' unorthodox batting stance makes it difficult for him to catch up with top-end velocity and he's still trying to find a defensive home. He'll compete for a part-time role on the 2024 Opening Day roster. —Ely Sussman12. Jacob Amaya, IF Acquired in 2023 via tradeFinished 2023 at Triple-AA glove-first prospect, Amaya was acquired from the Dodgers in exchange for Miguel Rojas back in January. After a breakout 2022 campaign in which he produced an OPS of nearly .800 across Double-A and Triple-A, the 25-year-old made his Major League debut in 2023. He played in four games, going 2-for-9 with a couple of RBI and a stolen base. In 128 games in Triple-A Jacksonville, Amaya only struck out 18% of the time. Defensively, he is big-league-ready. The Marlins would like to see him hit more consistently before promoting him permanently. He is expected to get regular playing time this spring training to make his case. —Isaac Azout13. Kemp Alderman, OF Acquired in 2023 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Low-AKemp Alderman didn't hit a lick through his first month in the minors. On top of the discouraging results, there was the physical discomfort of getting plunked by pitches in five consecutive games. Coincidence or not, Alderman's production after the HBP streak was much closer to anticipated (.283/.366/.483 in final 17 regular season and postseason games). Arguably the most powerful prospect in the Marlins organization, Alderman should be elevating the ball as much as possible. Instead, his 61.5% groundball rate in 2023 was actually the highest among Marlins minor leaguers (min. 100 PA). Alderman should start off 2024 with High-A Beloit. —Ely Sussman14. Karson Milbrandt, RHP Acquired in 2022 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at High-AThe decision to rush Karson Milbrandt to Beloit despite a 5.33 ERA at Low-A led to speculation that the Marlins were auditioning him for potential trade partners. Although several notable prospects left the system last summer, Milbrandt ultimately stayed put. The Missouri native leans heavily on a late-breaking, mid-90s sinker. It's difficult for the teenager to control, but equally difficult for hitters to square up—he allowed only one homer over his final 14 starts of the season. There is immense upside here if Milbrandt becomes confident enough in his secondary pitches to use them even when he's fallen behind in the count. —Ely Sussman15. Jacob Miller, RHP Acquired in 2022 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Low-ATo make a full evaluation on Miller is still difficult because his season was interrupted by injury. He isn't missing quite as many bats as anticipated coming out of the draft and his fastball velocity is only averaging 92 mph so far. That being said, it's exciting to see a prospect using a true four-pitch mix so early in his pro career. —Kevin Barral16. Javier Sanoja, OF/IF Acquired in 2019 via international free agencyFinished 2023 at High-A https://fishonfirst.com/farm/javier-sanoja-low-strikeout-rate/Javier Sanoja hails from Maracay, Venezuela, just like Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Abreu, Martín Prado and dozens of other big leaguers. Sanoja offers a unique combination of contact hitting, speed and defensive versatility. During his minor league career, he has started 93 games in center field, 78 at shortstop, 64 at third base and 38 at shortstop. While with Jupiter, Sanoja's average exit velocity was a Jon Berti-like 85.6 mph—he could have a Berti-like career if he reaches his ceiling. If the Marlins are holding out hope that Sanoja becomes something close to an everyday player, he should begin 2024 back in Beloit. They could also expedite his development as a utility man and give him the bump up to Double-A. —Ely Sussman17. José Gerardo, OF Acquired in 2022 via international free agencyFinished 2023 in FCLFor better or worse, expect José Gerardo's ranking to change dramatically over the next year. His 36.5 K% in rookie ball is a bright red flag, but he's extremely young and toolsy. The 18-year-old has posted a 120 wRC+ through 101 DSL/FCL games. —Ely Sussman18. Antony Peguero, OF Acquired in 2022 via international free agencyFinished 2023 in FCL Like Gerardo, Peguero struggled through his first season stateside, slashing .224/.311/.282/.593 with zero home runs and a 64 wRC+. His 23.3% strikeout rate was pretty close to the FCL average, so it's not like he looked overmatched. He may have to repeat the level for part of 2024 to make the necessary adjustments. —Kevin Barral19. Andrés Valor, OF Acquired in 2023 via international free agencyFinished 2023 in DSLhttps://videopress.com/v/8st3ZAmL?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=trueAndrés Valor was the Marlins' most consistent hitter in the Dominican Summer League. He stuffed the stats sheet with 23 extra-base hits and 21 stolen bases. The 6'3" outfielder will be one of the main attractions in the complex league next year. —Ely Sussman20. Will Banfield, C Acquired in 2018 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Double-AWill Banfield finally got it going offensively toward the end of the 2022 season and he carried it over to 2023, slashing .258/.302/.472/.773 with 23 home runs, 76 RBIs and a 100 wRC+. He was named Pensacola's MVP. A good defensive catcher throughout his five MiLB seasons with the Marlins, Banfield is still an undisciplined hitter. Let's see if he can overcome that by continuing to barrel balls at a high rate. As the Marlins' best all-around catching prospect, they will have to seriously consider adding Banfield to the 40-man roster to make sure nobody takes him in the Rule 5 Draft. —Kevin Barral21. Patrick Monteverde, LHP Acquired in 2021 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Double-Ahttps://twitter.com/FishOnFirst/status/1677851404046614531https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W11Ho9vt7zwPatrick Monteverde won 2023 Marlins Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors. Omitting his miserable outing on Aug. 3, Monteverde posted a 3.31 ERA in his other 22 regular season starts and then pitched a gem in the Southern League playoffs (6.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K). Monteverde's high-80s fastball velocity leaves him with very little margin for error. Already 26 years old, there's unlikely to be a substantial velo gain moving forward, so sharp command and swing-and-miss secondary pitches will be critical for him. Expect Monteverde to occupy a spot in the Triple-A Jacksonville rotation next season. His past year's workload puts him in position to be a starter throughout the 2024 campaign. —Ely Sussman22. Cody Morissette, IF Acquired in 2021 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Double-AComing off a severe ankle injury, Morissette continued to show good power for a second baseman. The question is the other aspects of his game. His career on-base percentage is down to .295 and the quality of his at-bats against lefties just wasn't good enough this past season. He'll be somebody to watch closely in 2024. —Kevin Barral23. Yoffry Solano, IF Acquired in 2022 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 in DSLYoffry Solano lost a large chunk of his age-18 season due to injury. When available, he was only used at third base. Moving from the middle infield to the hot corner puts more pressure on him to develop a power stroke—so far, he has homered only once in 192 career plate appearances. It's taken longer than anticipated, but Solano figures to occupy a spot near the top of the 2024 FCL Marlins lineup. —Ely Sussman24. Brock Vradenburg, 1B Acquired in 2023 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Low-Ahttps://twitter.com/GoHammerheads/status/1693048466681843823Brock Vradenburg improved dramatically over the course of his collegiate career at Michigan State, from a .584 OPS as a freshman to a .809 OPS as a sophomore to a jaw-dropping 1.213 OPS as a junior. His newfound game power didn't translate immediately to pro ball—the wall-scraper above was his only homer in 39 regular season and postseason games with Jupiter. Like Kemp Alderman, he put way too many balls on the ground. Vradenburg's .659 OPS could have been even uglier if not for a .347 BABIP. There's very little precedent for a 6'7" hitter succeeding at the highest level, but Vradenburg has impressive contact skills for his size and keen awareness of his strike zone's dimensions. —Ely Sussman25. Paul McIntosh, C Acquired in 2021 via undrafted free agencyFinishing 2023 in Arizona Fall Leaguehttps://fishonfirst.com/farm/paul-mcintosh-arizona-fall-league-catcher-defense/Even in a down season by his standards, Paul McIntosh was one of the Marlins' few above-average hitters in the upper minors. He's getting every opportunity to stick at the catcher position. McIntosh is expected to be a non-roster invitee at spring training for the second straight year, this time with a shot at actually making the active roster. —Kevin Barral26. Fabian López, IF Acquired in 2023 via international free agencyFinished 2023 in DSLhttps://videopress.com/v/wZYvhecX?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffishonfirst.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F10%2Ffabian-lopez-dsl-all-star-game.jpeg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=trueThe second-priciest player in the Marlins' latest international signing class, Fabian López is a dynamic, switch-hitting shortstop. López didn't have any prolonged slumps in 2023, but his production petered out as the season progressed. He dipped from a .877 OPS in June to a .697 OPS in July to a .550 OPS in August. —Ely Sussman27. Anthony Maldonado, RHP Acquired in 2019 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at Triple-AAnthony Maldonado established himself as Miami's finest relief-only prospect. He goes to his low-80s slider early and often, accounting for two-thirds of his total pitches. He commands it extraordinarily well to the glove side. Maldonado has been slowed by a few injuries, but he entered the 2023-24 offseason at full strength, allowing just one earned run in 11 games (15.1 IP) after recovering from a hip-related IL stint. Maldonado has been dominant in a full season's worth of Triple-A work (1.76 ERA, 3.01 FIP, 0.93 WHIP in 66.2 IP). The Marlins must select him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, otherwise teams will be lining up to take a flier on him. —Ely Sussman28. Joe Mack, C Acquired in 2021 via MLB DraftFinished 2023 at High-Ahttps://twitter.com/beloitskycarp/status/1645154331690237957Above all else, Joe Mack needed game reps in 2023, and he did get plenty of those. Mack struggled to slug throughout the first quarter of the season, but gradually improved in that department. All six of Mack's home runs came during a four-week span (Jul. 19-Aug. 15). Opposing baserunners repeatedly challenged him—169 steal attempts in 85 games behind the plate—and he threw out 26.0% of them, which is above average under the new rules. On the other hand, he posted a sub-90 wRC+ every month, raising serious doubt about whether he can projected as anything more than a future big league backup. Mack should be repeating the High-A level in 2024. —Ely Sussman29. Jancory De La Cruz, OF Acquired in 2023 via international free agencyFinished 2023 in DSLhttps://videopress.com/v/UmzsTaLr?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=trueA Dominican Summer League All-Star, Jancory De La Cruz has played all of his defensive innings in center field. He reached base safely in 32 of his first 33 minor league games before slumping later in the season. All 16 of his extra-base hits came with the platoon advantage, so time will tell whether the left-handed batter can produce against southpaws. —Ely Sussman30. Juan De La Cruz, RHP https://twitter.com/FLProspectPod/status/1700906414720376898Acquired in 2022 via international free agencyFinished 2023 at Low-AIf there is a name that will be thrown in here and hopefully we see rise, it is Juan De La Cruz. After having success at the FCL level, the Marlins promoted the 18 year old to Low-A Jupiter. De La Cruz's most notable outing with the Hammerheads came against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels where he struck out seven in four innings. The Dominican righty possesses a fastball, curveball and slider. Like any other 18-year-old, there are still a lot of things to improve, but he has shown early on that this is a prospect to keep an eye out for. —Kevin BarralHonorable Mentions Walin Castillo, RHPEvan Fitterer, RHPBennett Hostetler, IF/CErick Lara, IFIan Lewis, IF