Seeking defensive stability behind the plate, Miami turns to former first-round pick Joe Mack to neutralize the running game and provide a needed power boost in the lineup.
MIAMI — The Miami Marlins are expected to promote catching prospect Joe Mack from Triple-A Jacksonville, according to multiple reports.
The move corresponds with Agustín Ramírez being sent down to Triple-A Jacksonville after a slow start to his sophomore season. Ramírez has hit .230 with a .663 OPS in 113 at-bats this season after emerging in 2025 with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases.
A major reason behind the call-up is the Marlins’ need for improved defense at the catcher position. Marlins catchers rank near the bottom of the National League in fielding efficiency with a .978 fielding percentage.
Controlling the running game has been the most glaring weakness. Marlins catchers have allowed one of the highest stolen base totals in the league early this season, reflecting broader struggles that often involve catcher throwing and pitcher control.
That context sets the stage for Mack, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2021 draft. He is regarded as one of the better defensive catching prospects in the minors, with strong receiving skills, above-average mobility and a plus arm.
Mack routinely posts sub-1.9-second pop times and threw out 33 percent of basestealers last season — comfortably above the typical MLB average, which generally falls in the mid-20% range. By comparison, Agustín Ramirez has a 14% caught stealing percentage and Liam Hicks is at 6%. Together, the duo has combined to catch 3-of-31 baserunners stealing.
Mack’s offensive development has been uneven, but trending upward. After hitting .217 across his first three professional seasons, he revamped his approach in 2024 by attacking fastballs early in counts. The adjustment unlocked his power, leading to 45 home runs over the past two years, including being a prime reason behind the Jumbo Shrimp winning the International League and Triple-A national championships in 2025.
This year at Triple-A Jacksonville, the 22-year-old has hit .244 with a .766 OPS, three home runs and nine RBIs in 82 at-bats.
His offensive profile remains that of a power hitter, geared toward pulling the ball in the air. He has demonstrated an eye for secondary pitches and an ability to punish fastballs.
The Marlins have regularly penciled both catchers in the lineup, with the other serving as the designated hitter. While neither catcher has demonstrated the proper defensive prowess, Hicks has broken out with a .319 batting average, a .902 OPS and is second in the NL with 29 RBI.
With his impending MLB debut, the Marlins will be counting on Mack’s defense to better assist the pitching staff in a season that suggests little margin for error as they avoid falling from second place to the bottom of the division.
The Marlins will look to split their four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
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