Marlins' Mack Reveals What Helped Him Grow as a Professional

Joe Mack’s rise through the Miami Marlins system has not just been about power at the plate. The rookie catcher believes the biggest growth in his game has come from learning how to handle every part of the position.

After helping Miami secure a 7-2 win over the Athletics on Saturday night, Mack reflected on the development that turned him from a talented high school prospect into one of the organization’s most promising young players.

“It’s been awesome,” he said about joining the Marlins clubhouse. “The guys in the clubhouse right now are always having fun. The staff behind us and everything, to be able to be here is truly incredible.”

Mack continued his strong rookie campaign against the Athletics, finishing with two hits, including a solo home run that opened the scoring in the third inning. The blast marked his seventh homer of the season as Miami improved to 48-42.

While the offense has grabbed headlines lately, Mack pointed to his approach and defensive growth as the areas that have changed the most since being drafted.

“I would say definitely my approach at the plate,” Mack explained. “How I’m attacking each day, each pitch. And defensively too, the way I block, receiving, throwing guys out. Definitely working on those things daily.”

The 22-year-old catcher added that although he always had a strong arm dating back to his high school days at Williamsville East, professional baseball taught him how to maximize the full responsibilities of the position.

“I’ve been a good thrower since high school,” Mack said. “But maximizing that when I got up here was a big thing. The total package for catching definitely developed throughout the system and my minor league days. I really learned how to be a catcher.”

Additionally, that development has become increasingly noticeable during Miami’s playoff push.

Mack has provided solid defense behind the plate while he continues to emerge offensively. His home run on Saturday helped support another dominant outing from Sandy Alcantara as the Marlins stayed firmly in the National League Wild Card race.

The matchup also carried a unique Western New York connection.

Mack, who starred at Williamsville East High School, faced Athletics catcher Jonah Heim, an Amherst native. Both players were drafted directly out of high school and have become sources of pride for Buffalo-area baseball fans.

For Mack, though, the focus remains on helping Miami continue its surge.

And outside baseball? The rookie catcher made one thing very clear.

“I’m a big Bills fan,” Mack said with a smile. “They’re gonna win it all this year.”

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