Jakob Marsee is just two months into his MLB career after a successful late-season call-up by the Miami Marlins last year.
Which makes the impression that he had on his teammates over the past two weeks for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic that much more impressive.
“It’s kind of funny with Mars,” Italy first baseman and captain Vinnie Pasquantino said. “He’s also really young, but he doesn’t get talked about as one of the super young guys because of how quietly a professional he is. He just does his job. He shows up, he does his job, he goes home. Like, exactly what you want in a cornerstone player. He’s been just amazing for us.”
The Marlins hope those traits translate to his first season of pro ball following a solid initial showing.
The 24-year-old hit .292 with an .841 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 234 plate appearances for Miami last season after debuting on Aug. 1. He hit five home runs, drove in 33 runs, scored 28 times and stole 14 bases on 20 attempts while playing steady defensively in center field (one defensive run saved, four outs above average in 393 innings in the field, according to FanGraphs).
“His floor is so high,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said ahead of spring training, “because of the defense he plays and his ability to impact on the bases.”
Miami Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee (87) speaks to reporters during media day at loanDepot park on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Miami, Fla. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
The Dearborn, Michigan, native, a former sixth-round pick by the San Diego Padres acquired by the Marlins in the Luis Arraez trade in 2024, parlayed that initial MLB success into a chance to participate in the World Baseball Classic for Italy.
Marsee only hit .174 (4 for 23) for Italy, which made a Cinderalla run to the semifinals before falling 4-2 to Venezuela on Monday. He hit one double with two RBI, two runs scored and five walks while striking out seven times.
But his at-bats throughout the tournament were competitive.
And his defense was solid, highlighted by a play in the first inning Monday against Venezuela when he ran to grab an Arraez flyball and then fired a 90.5 mph throw to Pasquantino at first base to double up Maikel Garcia.
“He wants to play every day,” said Italy manager Francisco Cervelli, who spent 13 years as an MLB catcher capped by spending the 2020 season with the Marlins. “He wants to be in center field. I tried to give him one day as a designated hitter, and he doesn’t want it. I’m impressed. I think the Marlins have a big star looking forward.”
Added former Marlin and Team Italy infielder Jon Berti: “He’s a grinder, like myself. He’s from Michigan, so he’s got that DNA in him, which is awesome. He’s a great player. He’s got loads of talent. But what has most impressed me is just off the field, the questions he’s asking, and how he wants to learn and wants to get better. He truly just works hard, and the sky’s the limit for him.”
Marsee called the World Baseball Classic experience “amazing” but also knows there is work to be done as he now shifts his attention back to competing for the Marlins.
“The crowds have been unbelievable and it’s probably been some of the most electric games I’ve ever been able to be a part of,” Marsee said. “So to be able to get a chance to compete in this has been a blessing and it’s been a lot of fun. Then at the same time, you know, just being able to find ways to help the team win every single day, that’s all I really care about and the rest will come.”
How other Marlins fared at World Baseball Classic
The Marlins had eight members of their 40-man roster participate in this year’s World Baseball Classic, with utility player Javier Sanoja playing in the final on Tuesday for Venezuela against the United States.
Here’s how the rest fared during the tournament:
Utility player Javier Sanoja (Venezuela, entering Tuesday’s final): .375 average (3 for 8), 1.125 OPS, one home run, one RBI in two gamesOutfielder Owen Caissie (Canada): .412 average (7 for 17), 1.241 OPS, three doubles, one home run, five RBI, four runs in five gamesShortstop Otto Lopez (Canada): .263 average (5 for 19), .627 OPS, two RBI, two runs scored in five gamesCatcher Liam Hicks (Canada): .000 average (0 for 3) in one gamePitcher Sandy Alcantara (Dominican Republic): One start, three innings pitched, three earned runs allowed, three strikeouts against two walksCatcher Agustin Ramirez (Dominican Republic): .167 average (1 for 6), .619 OPS, one double, one RBI, one run scored in two gamesInfielder Jared Serna (Mexico): Two runs scored in three games
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Miami Herald
Jordan McPherson covers the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Panthers for the Miami Herald. He attended the University of Florida and covered the Gators athletic program for five years before joining the Herald staff in December 2017.