On Tuesday, the Miami Marlins announced that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Garrett Acton off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. To create a spot for him on the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. for assignment.
Acton, 27, spent the 2025 season in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Aside from one scoreless relief appearance at the major league level, he pitched for their Triple-A Durham affiliate. In 58 ⅔ innings pitched against AAA competition, he posted a 3.68 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 10.89 K/9 and 4.14 BB/9. He made 45 appearances (four starts). He also picked up some MLB experience with the 2023 Athletics, where he made six appearances, posting a 12.71 ERA.
The Rays designated Acton for assignment at the end of the 2025 season. He was then claimed by the Rockies and remained on their roster until they DFA’d him as well on January 22.
The right-hander’s arsenal consists of a four-seam fastball, slider and changeup. Knowing the Marlins organization and how they are with pitchers, it wouldn’t be shocking if they tried teaching him additional pitches.
Perhaps being an additional year removed from Tommy John surgery will benefit Acton, whose average fastball velocity dipped from 95.4 mph in 2023 to 93.7 mph last season. He still has two minor league options left.
Mesa, 24, signed with the Marlins organization for $1M as an international free agent in 2018. After several injury setbacks, he made his major league debut in 2025. In 16 games for the Marlins, he slashed .188/.297/.344/.641 with one home run, six RBI and an 81 wRC+. This past season in AAA, he slashed .286/.352/.460/.813 with seven home runs, 33 RBI and a 121 wRC+ in 52 games played.
Just two years ago, Mesa was considered one of the top position player prospects in the Marlins system, but a handful of outfielders have surpassed him on the depth chart since then. Even with the ability to play all three outfield spots and a solid hit tool, he was unlikely to crack Miami’s Opening Day roster.
Now with one minor league option remaining, Mesa will hope to land somewhere with a clearer path to consistent playing time. The Marlins have seven days to negotiate a trade with interested teams.