Mack Attack: Marlins' Rookie Catcher Here to Stay

Joe Mack's dream became a reality on May 4, when he made his major league debut against the Philadelphia Phillies at loanDepot park.

Now, the promising Miami Marlins catcher has made a statement, proving to the coaching staff that he belongs in the major leagues, not at Triple-A Jacksonville.

In a recent on-field interview at loanDepot park with independent sports journalist Tyler Boronski, the 23-year-old Mack, who was selected No. 31 overall by the Marlins in the 2021 MLB Draft, spoke about how excelling at dodgeball in high school helped him develop the skills he now uses to throw out runners attempting to steal second and third base.

"I was in, like, seventh grade or sixth grade and my PE coach actually told me to, like, dial it back because I could hurt somebody," Mack said.

Mack's PE teacher has to be one proud individual, watching his former student thrive at the highest level of baseball.

Mack's arm has already made an impression around the league.

Entering play Wednesday, he is tied with Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras for the league lead with 18 runners caught stealing.

His ability to control that aspect of the game has provided the Marlins with a valuable weapon behind the plate and has helped establish his reputation as one of the game's emerging young catchers.

While his defensive abilities have drawn plenty of attention, Mack has also delivered memorable moments at the plate, too.

The rookie catcher has hit several notable home runs this year, including one against Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner.

Mack said hitting a home run off Skenes has been his favorite so far because of how talented the pitcher is.

He also recorded an inside-the-park home run at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies, adding another highlight to an already impressive season.

"The inside-the-park home run, I've never done that, like, in my whole entire life," Mack told Boronski. 

The interview then moved to the Marlins dugout, where Boronski asked Mack to blindly rank his top five runners caught stealing from his rookie season so far.

Of course, Mack ranked his first caught stealing, gunning down Washington Nationals shortstop C.J. Abrams attempting to steal second base, No. 1 on his list.

For the Marlins, developing a young catcher who can contribute both offensively and defensively is a significant step in building a sustainable future.

The position requires leadership, toughness and the ability to manage every aspect of the game from behind the plate.

Sure, Mack still has plenty of room to grow, but his early success has already created excitement within the organization.

Between his strong arm, offensive upside and competitive mindset, the Marlins may have found the catcher who can anchor the backstop for years to come.

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