The Miami Marlins have announced the recipients of the organization’s Next Wave Awards, recognizing top performers across the organization's Minor League affiliates whose achievements represent the principles of the team's developmental department.

The honorees for September 2026 were highlighted by lefthanded pitcher Luis Palacios being named the Pitcher of the Month, while first baseman-outfielder Jonathon Long was awarded the Hitter of the Month honor. Other players who received recognition included OF Colby Shade (Defensive Player of the Month), shortstop Luis Arana (Base Runner of the Month), and righthanded pitcher Manuel Genao (Fish of the Month).

According to the Marlins' official press release on the matter, the awards signify that the names whose "performance aligned with the organization’s evaluation and development model, with a focus on performance indicators and long-term development priorities."

Moreover, the names on this list represent Miami's future, as the organization continues to rely on its farm system in the midst of a full-on youth movement. The most encouraging part of those announced is that they aren't part of the high-profile batch of prospects; they are players who still need to marinate and mature. Clearly, they are doing that, as they take steady strides in their big league quest.

Palacios, 26, led Miami’s farm system with a 2.50 FIP, 29.4 percent strikeout rate, and 3.9 percent walk rate (minimum 10.0 IP) over four starts with Triple-A Jacksonville in the month of September. His month featured a season-high seven strikeouts on Sept. 9 vs. Triple-A Gwinnett, and just two walks to 51 batters faced.

Long, 22, ranked in the 82 nd percentile among Triple-A hitters with a .348 xwOBA over 15 games with the Jumbo Shrimp in September. He posted an 11.9 percent walk rate against a 17.9 strikeout rate with six extra-base hits, 12 RBI, and an .840 OPS.

Shade, 24, finished September with +1.9 Outs Above Average (OAA), ranking first in the Marlins’ system in OAA, over 71.0 defensive innings between left field (four games), right field (three games), and center field (one game) with Double-A Pensacola. The second Marlin to earn Next Wave Awards in multiple months this season (August Baserunner of the Month), Shade also finished the season with the highest Rate OAA in Minor League Baseball.

Arana, 18, finished September with a perfect eight-for-eight in stolen-base attempts across four regular-season games and five postseason games, helping Jupiter earn their second Florida State League Championship. He attempted to steal in 50.0 percent of his opportunities with a 100.0 percent safe rate, successfully converting five steals of second base, two steals of third base, and one steal of home.

Genao, 20, has been named the Fish of the Month, an award recognizing the player who best embodies what it means to be an outstanding teammate within the organization. An ultimate competitor, he approaches each day with a commitment to improving and a drive to win in everything he does. He thrives in high-pressure situations and embraces every opportunity to compete for his teammates.

As the Marlins move toward 2027 with more high hopes on the horizon, it's encouraging to see these players be recognized. It's another sign that president of baseball operations Peter Bendix continues to fortify the farm system with fresh batches of young Fish. When you factor in the impressive work of the developmental system, these players and the ones that follow will keep sailing toward the Show.