The Marlins start to the season has not been bad in accordance with their standards, but it is clear that this will be another season of development, and potential for the organizations prospects to blossom. Players like Augustin Ramirez, Jakob Marsee, and Owen Cassie are making sizable contributions at the major league level this year. Their 11th ranked farm system still has players who can make an immediate impact either now or in the very near future. Here are three main candidates who could be due for a call-up very soon.
1. Robby Snelling – SP (2)
After shooting up the top prospect list from #8 to #2 coming into 2026, Snelling has started the season in mid-season form. In only four starts for AAA Jacksonville, he boasts a 1.89 ERA in 19 full innings, and 31 strikeouts. While much of the focus is rightly on top Marlins prospect, Thomas White, it seems as though Snelling may be the prospect that is closer to a major league call-up.
Robby Snelling over his last two starts…
11 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 21 K#FightinFishpic.twitter.com/ojy74RF43T
— The Toolshed Podcast (@ToolshedPod) April 20, 2026
His start to the 2026 season comes after a 2025 where he completed 136 innings, and managed a 2.51 ERA, to go along with 166 strikeouts. The Marlins acquired Snelling in a trade that sent Tanner Scott to the San Diego Padres in 2024, and while he struggled prior to the trade, the Marlins system has worked wonders for Snelling. His fastball and slider have seen some significant improvement, and he is currently working to establish a change-up, which could see him find success at the major league level.
2. Joe Mack – C (4)
The Marlins early this season are showing that they probably have more talent at the catcher position than once thought. Despite this, it is still possible that Joe Mack could make an impact for the team very soon. Liam Hicks is getting off to a strong start with his bat at the major league level, but it is clear that he is somewhat of a liability behind the plate. Hicks has allowed 18 stolen bases, which leads the National League. While he has also platooned at first base and designated hitter, the Marlins would probably like to have a more dependable player as their platoon backstop.
Joe Mack has homered in two of his last three games.#Marlins pic.twitter.com/uvsUPmfM1R
— Fish On First Prospects (@FOFProspects) April 19, 2026
This is where Mack comes into play. He is a bit of a one-dimensional hitter, showing immense power in his major league career. So far this year, his plate discipline has improved immensely. In 2025, he walked 45 times and struck out 127 times between AA and AAA. This year, albeit in a much smaller sample size, he has walked 13 times, and struck out 14 times, showing his ability to still find ways to reach base. In his video scouting report, his fielding and arm grade at a 55 and 60 respectively. His athleticism and framing skills have been praised in the past, and if the Marlins wish to find someone who can do a job for them at the plate and as a platoon catcher, maybe they should look no further than AAA Jacksonville.
3. Kemp Alderman – OF (8)
Watching the Marlins this year, it is clear that the outfield is an especially bright spot for their future. It currently features three left-handed bats in the starting lineup who could be there for many years to come. What is slightly lacking is platoon depth for the outfield. Heriberto Hernandez has shown to be capable of filling in when needed. It is clear however, that Austin Slater is not a long-term solution, and it would most likely be wise to give an opportunity to Kemp Alderman at the big league level.
Kemp Alderman has home runs in each of his last two games, including this one today. He’s 8 for his last 24.
Impactful hitting right-handed outfielders are in short supply for the #Marlins. Not hard to envision an MLB call for Kemp this season. pic.twitter.com/wrhmL0wXLm
— Fish On First Prospects (@FOFProspects) April 14, 2026
Alderman was drafted by the Marlins in 2023, and has shown gradual improvement in each of his three seasons in the minor leagues. 2025 proved a breakout for the now 23-year-old, as he put up a 139 hits and a .820 OPS in 130 games between AA and AAA. While he is still fine-tuning his game in the field, his arm strength has been the talking point of many scouts, and would be best used in the corner outfield spots at LoanDepot Park. He could easily make an impact with the major league team whenever Clayton McCullough and his staff deem it to be the right time for Alderman, with his ability to crush left-handed pitching.
(Top Image Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)
