On Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, two of the league’s top 100 prospects, both among the best at their respective positions across all of MiLB, represented the rebuilt Marlins organization. The battery of Joe Mack and Thomas White debuted during the All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park. Aside from minor league spring training and other backfields activities, the 2021 and 2023 draft picks had never previously teamed up.
Mack’s selection to the National League roster was a certified no-brainer. Fish On First’s second-ranked prospect, Mack has proven his breakout last season was not as fluke at the Double-A level with Pensacola before receiving a call to Triple-A Jacksonville. Mack came into the Futures Game slashing .272/.350/.460. His 123 wRC+ ranks fifth in the Marlins organization amongst qualified players. Minor league-wide, that mark ranks 33rd amongst qualified catchers. That’s in addition to being a Gold Glove-caliber defender.
Pregame, Mack told El Extrabase’s Daniel Álvarez-Montes about catalytic improvements he’s made year to year.
“First and foremost, it’s the faith I put into God and who Jesus is. I think that’s a really big part of my life that has grown in many different ways. That in turn helps me with the mental game,” Mack said. “I thought the game was 10% mental, 90% physical when I first started playing. I quickly got humbled and found that out. I sat down with Alan Yeager, who is a great mental health guy. We talked a lot and really improved the mental side of the game. That’s been a a really big difference in the overall performance, outcome and everything that has happened.”
Mack also told Álvarez about his promotion to Jacksonville and how the experience has aided his development.
“Getting up to Triple-A was awesome. To be around those guys and see what that level is about. I got up there and did well the first couple of weeks, then started to decline a bit,” Mack said. “I’ve been doing a lot of work in the cages, figuring out my swing figuring out timing, how pitchers are attacking me. It’s a group effort with everybody, switching some things here and there, shortening things up and putting myself in better positions to put good swings on balls.”
Mack started the Futures Game and played three innings, striking out in his lone plate appearance. He caught three different pitchers, including White.
“He’s great behind the plate, great at the dish. Great guy, too,” White said of Mack. “All-around amazing player. He’s electric as we all know. Anything he does, he does well.”
White was participating in his second straight Futures Game. The 20-year-old consensus top Marlins prospect made his Double-A debut on June 20 and spoke about his initial observations.
“Just the patience. Hitters are a lot more patient early in the count. They kind of make you come at them first and prove you can throw strikes before they expand. Other than that, it’s just another level. I try not to make a big deal out of it. I just go out and do my job.”
“Stuff-wise, everything’s moving a little bit more. I’m throwing a little harder,” White added. “I think the stuff is the biggest improvement.”
After borrowing the locker of Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider, White took the mound in the third inning. He wore jersey #99, the same number he wore during the bulk of his high school career (it is also Strider’s number, coincidentally). White noticeably attempted to command the top of the zone with fastball while relying heavily on his slider and sweeper low in the zone. He struggled a bit with control overall, often missing gloveside and landing 15 of his 30 pitches for strikes. That said, White faired pretty well on a big stage against the best hitters MiLB has to offer. He ended his outing on a strikeout looking of Jhostynxon Garcia.
White will return to Double-A Pensacola, which the heady and very mature lefty calls “just another level” in his development. He is riding a stretch of 12 ⅓ innings with just three earned runs and 16 Ks over his first three starts. The next step for White will be pitching deeper into games. Miami has been very protective of the length of his starts. He’s gone five full innings just three times this season.
Health permitting, both players are poised to reach the majors within the next calendar year.
Interested in learning more about the Miami Marlins’ top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!