Fish On First has learned that the Miami Marlins are calling up Fish On First number 19 prospect Victor Mesa Jr. to the Major Leagues on Monday. Derek Hill is being placed on the injured list with a left wrist injury in a corresponding roster move. A source says Mesa is expected to make his first career start on Tuesday.
Mesa, 23, was signed out of Cuba in 2018 for $1 million and has been with the organization since then. He found himself on the cusp of debuting in 2024, slashing .259/.319/.430 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI and a 98 wRC+ at the Triple-A level, but suffered a lower back injury, knocking him out for the remainder of the season.
In spring training this year, Mesa suffered a right hamstring strain, taking him out of the mix for an Opening Day roster spot. He completed a rehab assignment earlier this month and has played six games with AAA-Jacksonville since being reinstated. The outfielder has slashed .300/.375/.650 with one home run, five RBI and a 161 wRC+.
Offensively, Mesa has an interesting profile. He has posted reverse platoon splits each of the past two seasons, including a .290/.390/.500/.890 slash line against left-handed pitching in 2024. Defensively, he can play all three outfield spots.
Hill had recently been serving as Miami’s main center fielder. Through 23 games this season, Hill is slashing .233/.300/.370/.670 with two home runs, five RBI and an 82 OPS+. He has also struck out 35.4% of the time.
Sources tell Fish On First that he will wear uniform number ten and have six family members/friends in attendance at Petco Park as the Marlins and San Diego Padres begin a three-game set on Monday. His father, Cuban baseball legend Victor Mesa Sr., will be at the game.