Long before stepping onto a college field or being selected in the MLB Draft, Miami Marlins minor-league third baseman Garret Forrester’s baseball journey was set in motion by his father, former pro Gary Forrester.

Garrett was basically born into a baseball bloodline, and his indoctrination into the finer points of Doubleday's Game began on day one. 2022 article in The Oregonian noted that his first spoken words were “dad” and “ball.”

By introducing a bat and ball early in Garret’s life, Gary helped chart a path that would eventually take his son on to Oregon State University and into professional baseball.

Gary brought a unique, professional perspective to his son’s development. Initially drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1987 and again in 1989, Gary spent three seasons (1989–1991) in the farm systems of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels. Although he never made it to MLB due to a career-ending thumb injury, his experiences provided a valuable understanding of the game’s demands.

Using his own career and missteps as teaching tools, Gary offered guidance that went far beyond fundamental mechanics. These personal insights helped Garret grow into a prominent player during his amateur career.

Garret’s professional opportunity arrived when the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him 73rd overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, opening the door for him to achieve what his father had pursued decades earlier.

Currently in the Marlins system, Garret remains focused on making it to the major leagues. Beyond personal success, reaching the big leagues would make him the first in his immediate family to do so—culminating a shared legacy of hard work, mentorship, and love for the game.

Even though Gary’s professional playing career ended short of the majors, his guidance continues to shape his son’s progress. For Garret, reaching the major leagues represents both a personal aspiration and a chance to fulfill the baseball tradition established by his father.

Glancing at Garret Forrester's numbers will illustrate almost immediately that he's not one of the organization's top prospects, nor is he considered a future All-Star. Instead, he's likely one of those guys who will make it to The Show by featuring a diverse set of skills - ones that he's quite capable of pulling off.

Considered by scouts as an average glove man with a medium-level arm, he's not a standout at the hot corner. But with Javier Sanoja currently a Gold Glove candidate at the position, the Fish don't need a full-timer there. Plus, Juan Matheus will eventually get playing time there also.

Versatility might be the key for the 24-year-old Forrester. Although he's listed primarily as a third baseman, he has experience at first, designated hitter, and - perhaps most interestingly - at catcher. It's the latter that may come into play in Spring Training.

FanGraphs' 2026 Marlins prospect report says the organization shifted Forrester behind the plate full-time. That bodes well for his 2027 outlook.

But the Marlins could use some help at first, and most of all, behind the plate. Forrester is;t good enough to catch a lot in the bigs, but as a third catcher and utility player, he has value. Especially considering he has a good on-base percentage and can do small things to help steal some victories.

Just one phone call from the front office. That's really all it would take for Garret Forrester to achieve something in the name of a father who taught him to dream about baseball, even if his own dream was denied him. A dream that now passes from one to the other... just like a backyard game of catch.