
Top 50 graphic design by Michael Packard, @CollectingPack on Twitter
Marlins
NL East
2025 record: 79-83 (3rd)
MiLB affiliates
Triple-A: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Double-A: Pensacola Blue Wahoos
High-A: Beloit Sky Carp
Single-A: Jupiter Hammerheads
2025 End-Of-Season farm system rank: #13
Jeremy Mahy’s organization take from our 2025 End-Of-Season Farm System Rankings:
The Marlins continue to crank out top of the rotation quality arms. Thomas White and Robby Snelling look to be the next two examples. They have hit on their trades recently as well. Jacob Marsee (Padres), Graham Pauley (Padres), Kyle Stowers (Orioles), Connor Norby (Orioles) and Xavier Edwards (Rays) came over in 2024 and are all starters for the big league club. JoeMack looks like their catcher of the future and the potential in Aiva Arquette could add to that already solid young core. Better days are ahead for the Marlins.
2026 International Signing: Santiago Solarte, SS (Dominican Republic) $1M and Ronny Muñoz, SS (Dominican Republic) $1M. Not included in the Top 50 rankings below. Both would likely be slotted in Tier 4 and should show up in our next Marlins prospects update.
Prospects1500 writers who contributed to this column and rankings: Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), Stoffer Cochran (@stoffer81), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2025
Tier 1
1. Thomas White, LHP, 21, Triple-A
White is arguably the top pitching prospect yet to make his MLB debut. He features a mid-90s fastball, a sharp curve, and a strong changeup—all plus pitches. White racks up strikeouts at an elite rate. He fanned 145 batters in just 89.2 innings across three levels last year, including a 14-strikeout game at Double-A over just five innings. The main question is his command and control. He sometimes struggles to throw strikes, which can limit his outings. Still, his numbers are eye-popping: 2.80 xFIP, .172 batting average against, and a 38.6% strikeout rate. With offseason trades opening rotation spots, White could compete for a big-league job this spring. If he can refine his ability to hit his spots, all signs point to ace potential. (@CLEBoxscoreBeat)
Tier 2
2. Robby Snelling, LHP, 22, Triple-A
Snelling has emerged as one of the Marlins’ most intriguing young arms because of a rare blend of command, durability, and strike-miss ability for a 6-foot-3 lefty — traits that project well for a major league rotation. Drafted in the first round in 2022, he dominated as a teenager and, after a rough patch in 2024, regained velocity and refined his arsenal with Miami’s coaching staff in 2025. Facing more advanced hitters that season, his WHIP dropped while his strikeout rate climbed, driven in part by the introduction of a tighter “bullet” (gyro-style) slider and delivery tweaks that helped unlock added velocity. In 2025 he logged 136 innings with a 2.51 ERA and 166 strikeouts, paired with an excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio and a more complete pitch mix — including a plus curveball, the improved slider, and an effective changeup — highlighting the pitchability and consistency teams look for in a starter. Those gains in command, bat-missing ability, stuff, and workload in 2025 are a major reason scouts now view Snelling as a viable mid-rotation arm with upside to push beyond that ceiling at the major league level. (@stoffer81)
3. Owen Caissie, OF, 23, MLB
Caissie was the Marlins’ big return in the Edward Cabrera trade with the Cubs and he brings serious power. In his final 56 games at Triple-A, he crushed 15 home runs and 17 doubles while hitting .325 with a 1.046 OPS. His hard-hit rates are elite and he’s shown he can walk at a high clip. Even though Caissie has 30-homer upside, strikeouts are a concern. His K% was 27.9 percent at Triple-A last season. He’ll get a clearer path to playing time in Miami and he’s set to play for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. If the contact improves, his bat could be a force. (@CLEBoxscoreBeat)
4. Aiva Arquette, SS, 22, High-A
Arquette is a physically imposing shortstop who generates easy impact to all fields with a free and fluid swing, showing plus raw power with a chance to push higher as the hit tool continues to tighten. The frame creates some natural length in the swing, and he can still get passive at times, with in-zone contact the key separator between solid production and true impact. Defensively, he has shown real progress, with smoother actions, a quicker catch-to-throw, and enough range and arm strength to remain at shortstop despite the size, though third base remains a viable fallback. If the approach continues to trend more aggressive and the contact rate improves, Arquette projects as an everyday shortstop with middle-of-the-order offensive potential. (@ShaunKernahan)
5. Joe Mack, C, 23, Triple-A
Mack has emerged as the Miami Marlins’ top young backstop because he pairs plus raw power from the left side of the plate with legitimate defensive tools behind it—a rare combo for a catching prospect. His offensive profile has translated consistently as he has advanced, with underlying production remaining stable from Double-A in 2024 to Triple-A in 2025, as reflected in comparable OPS and slugging percentages that suggest his power plays against higher-level pitching. In 2025 he hit 21 homers with a strong Triple-A slash line and was recognized as one of the organizational hitting standouts, showing an ability to drive the ball to all fields, manage plate appearances, and work deep counts while maintaining a useful walk rate. Defensively, his plus arm and solid receiver/framer skills have stood out, along with a strong caught-stealing rate that complements his leadership qualities and instincts behind the plate. These gains in offensive sustainability and defensive polish during the 2025 season helped solidify his projection as a viable Major League catcher and earned him protection on the Marlins’ 40-man roster, moving him closer to his MLB debut in 2026. (@stoffer81)
Tier 3
6. Starlyn Caba, SS, 20, Single-A
7. Kemp Alderman, OF, 23, Triple-A
8. Cam Cannarella, OF, 22, High-A
9. Kevin Defrank, RHP, 17, Rookie (DSL)
Caba missed a significant amount of time in 2025 due to a left thumb sprain. When he returned for the second half of the season, he got into 51 games at Single-A Jupiter and then another 18 in the Arizona Fall League. With two Jupiter stints, the organization should push him to High-A this year. Alderman killed the Arizona Fall League in his short stint in 2024, and followed that up with a tremendous 2025 in Double-A (110 games) and Triple-A (20 games). He hit .285 with 22 home runs, 70 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. Cannarella was Miami’s 1st round pick last summer (43rd overall) out of Clemson. With an aggressive assignment, the 21-year-old outfielder debuted at High-A Beloit and hit .284 in 22 games. Defrank started 10 games in the Dominican Summer League as a 16-year-old, impressing with a 3.19 ERA and a 9.9 K/9. Does he spend another summer in the DSL or make his stateside debut in the FCL? We’ll find out later this summer. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tier 4
10. Dillon Lewis, OF, 22, High-A
11. Luis Cova, OF, 19, Rookie (DSL)
12. Noble Meyer, RHP, 21, High-A
13. Andrew Salas, OF/SS, 17, Single-A
14. Dillon Head, OF, 21, High-A
15. Brendan Jones, OF, 23, Double-A
16. Brandon Compton, OF, 22, High-A
17. Karson Milbrandt, RHP, 21, Double-A
18. Deyvison De Los Santos, 1B/3B, 22, Triple-A
19. Fenwick Trimble, OF, 23, Double-A
20. PJ Morlando, OF, 20, Single-A
21. Keyner Benitez, LHP, 19, Single-A
22. Max Acosta, SS, 23, MLB
Lewis, part of the four player package the Marlins received for Ryan Weathers, comes with potential to be a good MLB outfielder. He hit 22 HR and stole 26 bags across A/A+ last year. Meyer struggled somewhat at High-A in 2025. The 2023 1st rounder started 19 games, struck out 72 in 65.1 IP which is what you want to see, but walked 38 and gave up 53 hits (1.39 WHIP) which needs to be better for his pedigree. Salas is still only 17 and just debuted last season and played all over the field (6 positions). He needs another season at Jupiter to get better acclimated to professional pitching. Head, San Diego’s 1st round pick in 2023, spent all year at Jupiter but got one game at High-A Beloit. Give him a full season in Beloit to develop, including his speed (9 triples, 37 SB in 2025). Miami selected Compton (Arizona State University) in the 2nd round last summer. He debuted at High-A and should be back there with a talented OF group including Head, Valor and Cannarella. I saw Milbrandt pitch in Pensacola last September, his final game of the season which was a 6-inning, 3 hit, 0 runs, 6 K gem. If he builds on that heading into this season, he’ll rocket up the organization ranks quickly. It’s been quite a MiLB journey for De Los Santos, having been selected by Cleveland in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft from Arizona, didn’t make the MLB roster and was returned to the Diamondbacks, traded to Miami, and has spent time in Triple-A over the last two seasons. He’s also coming off a very good Dominican Winter League (.309/.365/.475/.840). With the likes of Pauley, Conine, Hicks and Morel ahead of him in Miami, it just seems he’s that close to contributing at the MLB level. Benitez is an interesting 19-year-old lefty who looked good in 10 starts for Jupiter, and he’s projected to be back in Single-A to start 2026. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tier 5
23. Cristian Hernández, SS, 22, High-A
24. Luis Arana, SS/3B, 17, Rookie (DSL)
25. Andres Valor, OF, 20, Single-A
26. Matthew Etzel, OF, 23, Triple-A
27. Josh White, RHP, 25, Triple-A
28. Eliazar Dishmey, RHP, 21, High-A
29. Esmil Valencia, OF, 20, Single-A
30. Liomar Martinez, RHP, 20, Single-A
31. Dax Fulton, LHP, 24, Triple-A
32. Juan Matheus, 3B, 21, High-A
33. Dylan Jasso, 3B, 23, Double-A
34. Josh Ekness, RHP, 24, Triple-A
35. Carter Johnson, SS/2B, 19, Single-A
36. Max Williams, OF, 21, Single-A
37. Grant Shepardson, RHP, 20, Single-A
38. Aiden May, RHP, 22, Single-A
39. Ethan O’Donnell, OF, 23, Double-A
40. Echedry Vargas, 3B/SS, 20, High-A
41. Chase Jaworsky, SS/2B, 21, High-A
42. Nate Payne, LHP, 20, Single-A
43. Jared Serna, SS/2B, 23, Triple-A
44. Drew Faurot, 2B, 22, Single-A
45. Diwarys Encarnacion, SS/3B, 20, Rookie (DSL)
46. Angel Brachi, 2B/SS/3B, 19, Rookie (DSL)
47. Emaarion Boyd, OF, 22, Double-A
48. Abrahan Ramirez, 3B/2B, 21, Single-A
49. Will Schomberg, RHP, 25, Double-A
50. William Kempner, RHP, 24, Triple-A
It has been a busy offseason for the Marlins resulting in a lot of new faces (and talent) in their system. Hernandez, who recently came over from the Cubs, made some swing adjustments and looked much better in 2025. Matheus and Jasso, both coming over from the Yankees, add more infield options for the fish with Matheus carrying the more upside of the two. If O’Donell, the former Red, can hit lefties better he could be quite interesting thanks to plus speed and outfield defense. Brachi, acquired just this week from the Rays, displayed some promise of his own last season, hitting .337/.453/.408 in the DSL while also adding 17 stolen bases. While Thomas White could the ace of the future, Josh White might be the Marlins closer of the future. He struck out Double/Triple-A hitters at a 40% clip last year. Johnson, a second-round pick in 2024, has really struggled to make consistent contact but there is still time and development left for him to reach his full potential. Vargas’ speed looks real but his uber aggressive approach at the plate has lead to problems against better pitching. Serna is a high-contact hitter with above-average speed and positional versatility, but a lack of power likely limits his overall impact. There are two other Marlins to watch after they made serious noise in the DSL last year. Arana slashed .297/.419/.476 with five home runs, 28 stolen bases and an 8% strikeout rate. Encarnacion slashed .291/.398/.484 with eight home runs, 25 stolen bases and a 14% strikeout rate. Their stateside debuts will be worth watching. (@JMahyfam)
Author
Prospects1500 is your comprehensive dynasty league resource, featuring deep MLB/MiLB top prospect lists, news and rankings.
Greg covers the Toronto Blue Jays organization for Prospects1500. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, a long-suffering fan of both the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. For more than 15 years now a participant/commish in many dynasty baseball leagues, all with extremely deep minor league rosters. Follow on X @gregbracken07.
Stoffer is an avid baseball fan who grew up in the heart of Braves country, but felt he never really fit in until the Marlins came along and then it was game over. He has been playing in deep dynasty keeper leagues for 20+ years and only plays in leagues where there is a prospect component. He currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida, which is the perfect place for him because it’s home to the Jumbo Shrimp, the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” -Yogi Berra
J.W. resides in Northeast Ohio and is a lifelong Cleveland sports fan. His favorite baseball player of all-time is 2018 Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Thome. He enjoys playing Fantasy Baseball, especially dynasty leagues. He has been a contributor to Prospects1500 since January 2025. You can follow J.W. on X at @CLEBoxscoreBeat.