The final Fish Unfiltered episode of 2025 is overflowing with Miami Marlins content. Kevin Barral, Isaac Azout and Ely Sussman begin by discussing Saturday’s trade sending Dane Myers to the Cincinnati Reds for outfield prospect Ethan O’Donnell, the addition of Pete Fairbanks to the Marlins bullpen and the latest reporting on trade candidate Edward Cabrera. Then, Kevin and Ely sit down with Victor Mesa Jr. Coming off his first taste of the big leagues, the 24-year-old outfielder takes us through his baseball journey and what he hopes to accomplish in 2026.

You can find Fish Unfiltered on the Fish On First YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your pods. Our audio programming also includes Fish On First LIVE, The Offishial Show, Swimming Upstream and more.

 

Although proud of his Cuban heritage, Mesa tells Fish Unfiltered that he will not be participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic as he prioritizes his health and his major league career. Last season, he had three separate stints on the injured list.

Even with Myers removed from Miami’s outfield depth chart, Mesa faces an uphill battle to crack the Opening Day roster. Kyle Stowers and Jakob Marsee are locks to make it, with Griffin Conine and Heriberto Hernández very likely occupying the third outfield spot as platoon partners. Utilityman Javier Sanoja can absorb the remaining outfield reps. Connor Norby may also be in the mix depending on how he fares defensively during spring training.

“I give my 100% and then whatever decision that they gotta (make), it’s gonna be based on what we do on the field.” Mesa said. “I’m not worried about it. I’m just worried about (doing) my job. If I do my job, I know I’m gonna help the team.”

Follow Victor (@victormesajr10) on Instagram. Follow Kevin (@kevin_barral), Isaac (@IsaacAzout), Ely (@RealEly) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com.