The Miami Marlins' catcher of the future? Joe Mack promises power and improved defense -- and poised to join a burgeoning Marlins' prospect core.
The Miami Marlins' current catcher situation isn't great.
Last year's starter, Agustín Ramirez, showed promise. He was the first rookie catcher in MLB history to hit 20-plus home runs and steal more than 10 bases in the same season. But the 24-year-old had his share of struggles, particularly defensively -- he threw out just six of 57 base stealers last season.
Backup Liam Hicks is serviceable, but isn't considered a possible franchise cornerstone.
If Joe Mack lives up to his potential, he could be one of those players.
He's the latest subject of "Getting to Know the Fish," a Marlins Roundtable series profiling each Miami Marlins player.
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 210 pounds
Hometown: Williamsville, New York
2025: Mack started last season in AA Pensacola, but he didn't stay there long. After 13 games, in which he had a .318/.464/.614 line, Mack was called up to AAA Jacksonville, where he played 99 games. His numbers there don't look as impressive (.250/.320/.459), but Mack impressed with his power, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 53 runs.
Only seven catchers in MLB hit 20 or more home runs last season, and Mack combined for 21 across AA and AAA. If that power can translate to the MLB level, it would be huge for Miami.
Granted, one of those seven catchers, Ramirez, is already on Miami's roster. But Mack is better defensively, having thrown out an above-average 33 percent of runners attempting to steal across AA and AAA last season.
Outlook: Mack is expected to be with the Marlins in 2026, although it might not happen on Opening Day. Mack, at 23, is the No. 10 catching prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com, so he shouldn't be in AAA Jacksonville for long.
If all goes according to plan, three of the Marlins' top four prospects will rise in 2026. Outfielder Owen Caissie already had experience with the Chicago Cubs, and left-handed pitchers Thomas White and Robby Snelling are waiting in the wings.
If all goes right, Miami could have multiple Rookie of the Year candidates in 2026.
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