Jakob Marsee’s WBC run with Italy gave the Marlins prospect valuable experience that could shape his breakout 2026 season.
Even though one of the Miami Marlins' top prospects did not make it to the World Baseball Classic final, Jakob Marsee's time with Team Italy could be just as valuable as winning the tournament.
Italy's Cinderella run, which included five straight wins and a shocking upset of Team USA, put Marsee in important, high-pressure games weeks before MLB's Opening Day. That environment is important for a 24-year-old who is still trying to make a name for himself in the major leagues.
The numbers on the surface, a .174 batting average and a .345 on-base percentage, don't stand out, but there are signs that suggest growth.
Marsee's five walks were among the most on the team, which backs up his patient style, already evident in his profile. He had a 9.4-percent walk rate and a strong .363 wOBA in 2025, indicating a good understanding of the strike zone for his age.
Marsee got more than just production in the WBC; he learned how to win. Marsee learned what consistency looks like at the highest level by being around experienced hitters like Vinnie Pasquantino and getting coached by former Marlins catcher Francisco Cervelli.
That's important for the Marlins, who still have one of the youngest rosters in baseball.
Marsee already looks like a modern leadoff hitter. He can get on base, run fast, and play good defense in center field. His first MLB game in 2025 (.292 average, .842 OPS) showed he could use those skills against big-league pitching, but the next step is to keep that success going for a full season.
The WBC might speed up that schedule.
Defense is one area where Marsee already looks like he could play in the bigs. His assist in the WBC semifinals, when he threw a ball at 90 mph to cut down a runner, was a reminder of the instincts and arm strength that make him a real everyday center fielder.
That matters for a Marlins team that is all about pitching and stopping runs.
Marsee's stat line isn't the most important thing about him as he returns to camp. It's the confidence, experience, and changes he brings back. For a team looking for its next key player, this tournament may have quietly brought him one step closer to becoming that.
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