Coming off a year that saw the emergence of rookie Joe Mack to assume the starting spot as the Miami Marlins' starting catcher, as the youth movement continues to sail forward in South Florida.

Mack was a revelation in 2025, making his way to Miami and registering solid numbers in his initial outing in The Show. In 303 at-bats, the youngster had a .234 batting average, with 14 home runs, 52 RBI, and a .403 slugging percentage. He showed skill behind the plate and emerged as a young leader amongst a group of youngsters on the rise.

The backstop will be counted on in the immediate future to not only develop even more as an all-around player, but also improve in how he handles the pitching staff. That's something he has already drawn some praise for - especially his fellow Marlins on the mound.

“He does a good job," starter Max Meyer stated. "He controls the zone. He got some good challenges for me. He got two strikeouts for me, so I always appreciate that. And he’s always keeping it light for being a rookie catcher. The game’s pretty slow for him right now, so I’m really impressed with that. We’re just relaxing on the mound. We’re not taking the situation too big. So I’ve been impressed with him so far.”

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough has been impressed by how his first-year starter developed his rapport with the Miami hurlers. He also pointed out the value of Mack's throwing arm; the rookie led all of MLB this season in total throw-outs.

“Someone like Joe has the ability to make up for some pitchers that are a little slower...He's thrown out some real runners and come up with some big throws, so I think that part has really helped out on the run prevention side of things.”

With Liam Hicks traded away during the 2026 campaign and no clear back-up to Mack, the team could go shopping around the free-agent market. While they certainly won't invest heavily in a big-dollar bench player, they need a bit of veteran presence behind the youngster. However, it will have to be someone who can spell Mack, as well as help guide him along in his development.

A veteran like the Seattle Mariners' Mitch Garver, who has some pop in his bat, but is behind Cal Raleigh in the Emerald City, or someone younger, like the Minnesota Twins' Ryan Jeffers, could fill the bill for a lesser price tag.

Carson Kelly, who played for the Chicago Cubs this past season, would be a tremendous fit, but his price tag may be higher than some others. Veteran Elias Diaz, 36, has faded a bit at the plate, but he could be serviceable for another year (or two) in Miami.

Mack didn't play a full 162-game season and didn't go through the wear-and-tear of squatting in the sun all Summer from wire-to-wire. In order to get the most out of his talents, keep him fresh, and help in his further development, Peter Bendix and the Miami front office don't need a superstar... They just need a safety valve.