As the Miami Marlins approach the final stages of the 2026 season, the organization faces some important decisions about how aggressively it wants to pursue a postseason push while continuing to protect one of baseball’s more promising farm systems.

Miami could add an experienced player or two before the trade deadline, but some of the most intriguing answers may already be developing within the organization. Among those possibilities is outfield prospect Kemp Alderman, who continues to work toward his first opportunity in the major leagues at Triple-A Jacksonville.

Alderman, 24, entered the season regarded as the Marlins’ No. 8 prospect and has continued to make a strong impression with his bat. With the Jumbo Shrimp set to play their final homestand of the year, he will cap off some quietly solid numbers as he prepares to take his shot at the bigs in 2027.

This season, the youngster has hit .252, with 18 home runs, 60 RBI, and 10 stolen bases. He's got a rather low .765 OPS, but it's expected that as he makes better contact at the plate, Alderman will become a more well-rounded offensive threat.

His path to the highest level of professional baseball, however, isn't limited to just hitting.

During his time at Ole Miss, Alderman was regarded as a legitimate two-way talent. He saw time on the mound and showed enough ability as a pitcher to attract attention from scouts before eventually committing fully to playing the outfield.

That transition has allowed Alderman to concentrate on maximizing his considerable power while still putting one of his most intriguing tools to use.

His arm could ultimately become a significant asset in the corners.

Alderman does not project as a natural center fielder because of his limited range, but his throwing ability gives him an additional weapon in either corner. That combination of power and arm strength could give Miami another intriguing option as his development continues.

MLB.com's scouting report highlights Alderman's offensive upside, noting that the right-handed hitter generates elite-level exit velocities and has made progress in converting that raw strength into production. He has also worked to reduce his strikeout rate.

"Despite his massive frame, Alderman is more athletic than expected, producing fringy run times out of the batter's box and at least average speed under way," the analysis reads. "He's a capable corner outfielder with a strong arm that ran fastballs up to 94 mph when he pitched briefly at Mississippi. He also spent some time catching in high school... though Miami is going to focus on fully tapping into his power for now."

There is still development ahead. Alderman has a power-over-contact profile and remains prone to chasing pitches, something that has limited his walk production. Still, the Marlins appear to have a player whose unusual background could serve him well in MLB.

With Miami's current outfield already crowded, Alderman's first taste of the majors could come in a complementary role. If he receives a September call-up, he could provide manager Clayton McCullough with a powerful bat off the bench or an option at designated hitter.

Eventually, though, that former pitcher's arm could become just as valuable as his bat.