Beyond The Marlins' Top Pair of Prospects, Don't Overlook Another Set of Southpaws

The Miami Marlins have strong reasons to be optimistic regarding their left-handed pitching talent, and with Thomas White and Robbie Snelling standing out as the team's top prospects, the pitching depth behind them could play a vital role as well.

White is numero uno in terms of the organization, with his MLB.com scouting report raving about his potential when he finally arrives on the Marlins roster.

"White ranked as the best left-handed pitcher in the 2023 Draft, yet the Marlins were able to float him down to the 35th overall pick," his official analysis states. "How much success White ultimately enjoys will come down to his ability to throw strikes. He's still young and learning to keep his long limbs and mechanics in sync... His stuff is so good that he could become a true No. 1 starter with just average control."

Though Ethan Kleinschmit and Nate Payne may not capture as much attention as Miami's top two pitching prospects, both offer genuine potential as the franchise continues constructing its next wave of rotation starters.

As the organization's top pitching prospect, White features the dynamic arsenal of a potential top-of-the-rotation starter. Following a left shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2026 season, he will look to regain momentum in 2027 and push for a rotation spot in the major leagues.

Snelling offers a second highly touted left-handed option, giving Miami further depth as it builds a stacked staff capable of contending in the National League East.

At the same time, the prospect depth following them provides additional reasons for encouragement.

Kleinschmit, selected by Miami with the 52nd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, is preparing to begin his professional career after pitching at Oregon State. The 6’3”, 206 lb southpaw brings a four-pitch mix featuring a fastball, slider, changeup, and cutter.

Sitting in the low 90s with his fastball, Kleinschmit relies on command, movement, and deceptive sequencing to build his path as a potential starter. Ranked No. 12 among Marlins prospects by MLB.com, he is projected to reach the majors in 2029.

"Kleinschmit shows the ability to fill up the strike zone with four pitches," the report explains. "He has a solid starting pitcher’s foundation with his pitch mix and ability to be around the zone, and he’s on an upward trajectory."

Payne offers a similar physical frame to Kleinschmit, standing 6-foot-3 and roughly 200 pounds, but he has already started establishing his pro track record.

The 21-year-old climbed MLB.com's organizational rankings from No. 25 in the preseason to No. 16 at midseason. With a projected MLB arrival in 2028, he has time to refine his skill set ahead of Miami's future rotation needs.

While Kleinschmit set his sights on initiating his hardball career in 2027, Payne's steady growth against professional batters makes him a particularly compelling arm to monitor.

Ultimately, neither arm needs to reach White's high ceiling or match Snelling's draft pedigree to deliver value for Miami. Their long-term impact will hinge on fine-tuning their repertoires and converting raw upside into reliable performance.

The Marlins' pitching future will depend on more than two prospects. White and Snelling may headline the organization's left-handed contingent, but Kleinschmit and Payne provide additional possibilities.

For a franchise hoping to build a sustainable rotation, that kind of depth is worth watching.