Miami Marlins Farm System: The Marlins system is built on a strong foundation of pitching depth, while the hitting side features physical upside in Aiva Arquette, Kemp Alderman, and Starlyn Caba, alongside emerging athletic profiles like Andrew Salas and Luis Cova—all part of a volatile but intriguing developmental mix.
Summary
A trio of promising arms anchors the Marlins system: Robby Snelling, Thomas White, and Noble Meyer. Each offers a different blend of projection and polish—Snelling with command and durability, White with a big frame and power curve, and Meyer with frontline upside and swing-and-miss stuff. That pitching depth gives the organization a stable foundation, even as the hitting side remains volatile and uneven.
Aiva Arquette has emerged as a physical, power-oriented infielder with defensive versatility and a chance to grow into a middle-of-the-order bat. Kemp Alderman brings massive raw power, but he’s proven streaky with swing and miss in his game. Starlyn Caba continues to trend upward with twitchy athleticism, advanced instincts, and a developing hit tool. Andrew Salas and Luis Cova showed encouraging signs with OBP skills, athleticism, and speed.
Overall, the Marlins have assembled a diverse pool of talent, but many of their hitters face approach, contact, or role-related hurdles. The pitching side looks more stable, while the offensive group is filled with developmental bets and platoon risk.
AI-Assisted Fantasy Tiers: Methodology and Observations
AI has made significant strides in all aspects of our lives. Over the past four years, I have compiled 500,000 words of personal scouting narratives, which have formed the foundation for training my own AI assistant. This assistant now evaluates prospects and assigns fantasy tiers exclusively based on the insights and observations contained in my write-ups.
After requesting that my AI assistant generate fantasy tiers using this year’s reports, I found that the AI’s rankings generally align with my own assessments. However, there are some cases where the AI’s evaluations differ from my personal rankings. I am sharing those differences here for your consideration.
🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets
- Thomas White – Big frame, plus fastball/curve combo, potential top-of-the-rotation anchor
- Robby Snelling – Command-first lefty with pitchability, durability, and sneaky K upside
- Noble Meyer – Power arsenal, frontline upside, trending toward high K totals
🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets
- Aiva Arquette – Strong-bodied infielder with power upside and defensive versatility
- Starlyn Caba – Twitchy athlete with hit tool and defensive chops, trending up
- Andrew Salas – Switch-hitter with OBP skills, speed, and pedigree
- Kemp Alderman – Big raw power, limited mobility, needs to hit to stick
- Luis Cova – Plus speed, emerging power, and strong DSL performance
- Dillon Head – Elite speed, improving hit tool, potential leadoff profile
🥉 Tier 3: Outside of the Impact/Everyday Targets
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2026 Player Profiles
1. Thomas White (LHP)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 30 SP
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Big frame, plus fastball/curve combo, potential top-of-the-rotation anchor.
Drafted 35th overall in 2023, Thomas White entered pro ball with top-of-the-rotation buzz—and the raw stuff backs it up. His fastball sits 94–96 MPH and touches 97, riding through the zone with elite vertical life (2550 RPM). Statcast labels his breaking ball as a slider, but it functions more like a high-spin curveball with sharp vertical drop and plus potential. The changeup shows promising arm-side fade and projects as a legitimate third weapon.
White’s biggest challenge has been control. At 6-foot-5, he’s struggled to consistently repeat his release point, leading to bouts of wildness. But the athleticism is real, and this is a common developmental hurdle for long-levered teenage arms. The Marlins have taken a measured approach, but their history of fast-tracking pitchers suggests White could reach the Majors by 2026 if the command stabilizes.
Fantasy managers should treat White as a high-upside stash with strikeout potential. The arsenal is built for whiffs, and if the walk rate trends in the right direction, he could emerge as a left-handed version of Hunter Greene—with a better changeup and less raw velocity. There’s volatility, but the ceiling is real.
2. Robby Snelling (LHP)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2025 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 40 SP with upside
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Command-first lefty with pitchability, durability, and sneaky K upside
Entering 2024, Robby Snelling was considered one of the premier pitching prospects in baseball. But by midseason, his fastball had lost 2.5 MPH and he was getting shelled—posting a 6.49 ERA on July 1st. The Padres, true to form, dealt him at the deadline to Miami, where the Marlins made immediate tweaks to his arsenal. The results were dramatic: velocity returned, the curveball sharpened, and Snelling re-emerged as one of the top arms in the minors.
In 2025, he threw 136 innings with a 2.51 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and just 39 walks—nearly a 5:1 K/BB ratio. After a few early-season hiccups, he dominated from June onward, posting a 1.91 ERA and flashing the command and pitchability that once made him a top-25 prospect.
Fantasy managers should now view Snelling as a high-floor, high-ceiling arm. The stuff has rebounded, the curveball is a legitimate weapon, and the command gains suggest mid-rotation stability with top-of-the-rotation upside. If the velocity holds and the curve continues to miss bats, he could be a breakout SP3 with SP2 potential.
3. Aiva Arquette (SS, #7)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 1B or Top 45 OF
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Strong-bodied infielder with power upside and defensive versatility
Selected 7th overall in the 2025 Draft, Aiva Arquette is a big-bodied shortstop with future power and early-career speed. At Oregon, he launched 19 home runs with a .654 SLG and showcased strong zone control (16.5% K-rate, 12.6% BB-rate). The swing is leveraged and compact for his size, but long-term swing-and-miss risk remains—especially given his 6-foot-5 frame. There are few infielders built like him, and a move to a corner outfield spot or first base may be inevitable.
After signing, Arquette was assigned to High-A and held his own: .242/.350/.323 with one home run and seven steals in 27 games. He should return to the level next spring, with the Marlins likely to test his defensive versatility early.
Fantasy managers should treat Arquette as a potential middle-of-the-order bat with OBP upside. The power is real, the approach is advanced, and if the hit tool holds, he could become a foundational piece—regardless of where he plays defensively.
4. Starlyn Caba (SS)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 SS
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Twitchy athlete with hit tool and defensive chops, trending up
A premium athlete with plus defense and 70-grade speed, Starlyn has emerged as one of the more intriguing position players in Miami’s system. He controls the strike zone exceptionally well, walking more than he strikes out and posting a walk rate north of 15%. That number may regress as he faces pitchers with better command, but the underlying approach and batting eye are real.
The concern is physicality. At 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, he’s not impacting the ball consistently, and plus power is unlikely. Still, with his speed and feel for contact, there’s room for high single-digit home runs and plenty of doubles. He missed time in May and June with a sprained thumb but returned without issue.
Fantasy managers should view Starlyn as a potential leadoff type with stolen base upside and sneaky OBP value. If the hit tool holds and he adds even modest strength, he could become a category contributor in deeper formats—especially if he sticks in center field.
5. Noble Meyer (RHP)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 SP with control risk
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Power arsenal, frontline upside, trending toward high K totals
Drafted 10th overall in 2023, Noble Meyer entered pro ball with big velocity and a three-pitch mix built for whiffs. Reports from high school had him touching 100 MPH, but as a professional, he’s settled into a 93–94 MPH sinker that can reach 96. It’s a high-spin offering that should generate more strikeouts than typical sinkers. His slider is the standout—tight, high-spin, and capable of missing bats. The changeup flashes plus and rounds out a legitimate arsenal.
The delivery comes from a lower three-quarters slot, which may limit downhill plane and extension. At 6-foot-5, Meyer hasn’t fully leveraged his size, and the control has been a real issue. He posted a 5.2 BB/9 in 2025 after struggling to throw strikes in 2024, and the walk rate hasn’t shown meaningful improvement.
Fantasy managers should now treat Meyer as a mid-rotation arm with control risk. The stuff is good enough to play, and the Marlins have a track record of developing pitching, but the command needs to take a leap. If it does, he could still be a high-strikeout SP3. If not, he’s a volatile backend starter with WHIP concerns.
6. Kemp Alderman (OF)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 OF
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Big raw power, limited mobility, needs to hit to stick
After an injury-plagued 2024, Kemp Alderman returned healthy in 2025 and reminded evaluators why the Marlins took him early. At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, he’s built like a linebacker and produces elite exit velocities. Despite his size, he moves well and could flirt with double-digit stolen bases early in his career—though that speed may taper over time.
The swing-and-miss remains a concern. While his strikeout rate isn’t catastrophic, the chase tendencies and poor walk rates point to a below-average approach. He’ll likely always be a batting average risk, and the lack of OBP skills could cap his ceiling. Still, Miami covets power, and Alderman fits their mold. He’s expected to open 2026 in Triple-A with a real shot to debut later in the year.
Fantasy managers should treat Alderman as a power-first bat with early-career counting stat potential. If the approach improves, he could be a low-OBP slugger with 25+ homer upside. If not, he’s a platoon risk with streaky production.
7. Dillon Head (OF)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 OF with risk
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Elite speed, improving hit tool, potential leadoff profile
A first-round pick by the Padres in 2023, Dillon Head was acquired by Miami in the Luis Arraez trade early in 2024. He played just five games before undergoing season-ending hip surgery, raising concerns about whether his speed would return. Those fears were quickly put to rest—he stole 37 bases in 2025 with an 80% success rate, reaffirming his elite athleticism.
The hit tool remains raw, and losing a year of reps didn’t help. Still, Head posted a 19% strikeout rate and showed solid zone control. His swing is geared for line drives more than loft, but the bat speed is real, and there’s room for added power as he fills out. If the doubles power develops and he tightens his approach, he could grow into a solid everyday outfielder. If not, he’s a speed-first fourth outfielder with defensive value.
Fantasy managers should treat Head as a stolen base asset with developing hit and power tools. There’s deep-league appeal now, and if the bat takes a step forward, he could become a category contributor with leadoff upside.
8. Max Acosta (2B)
- Highest Level: Majors ETA: 2025 Fantasy Ceiling: Middle Infielder with upside
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: He displayed more power in 2025, and when you add that to his speed, a full-time starter is emerging.
Signed by the Rangers in 2019, Max Acosta has overcome a winding developmental path—including the lost COVID season and surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Now with Miami, he broke through in 2025, showing improved power and even launching three home runs during a three-week stretch in the Majors. His average exit velocity sat at 93.5 MPH with a peak of 108, suggesting 15–18 homer potential over a full season.
The approach remains a work in progress. He expands the zone too often, leading to a 26.5% K-rate in Triple-A and limiting his OBP upside. But he’s a plus runner, swiping 33 bases in 115 games, and the speed/power blend gives him a path to everyday value. With better contact rates, he could exceed his current ceiling as a middle infielder.
Fantasy managers should treat Acosta as a speed-power contributor with batting average risk. If the approach tightens, he could become a 15/30 threat with multi-position eligibility. If not, he’s a streaky middle infielder with deep-league appeal.
9. Joe Mack (C)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 20 Catcher
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Power-hitting catcher with playable defense and OBP upside
After opening 2025 in Double-A, Joe Mack was promoted to Triple-A following Agustin Ramirez’s call-up—and eventually found his footing. He finished the season with a .257/.338/.475 slash line, launching 21 home runs and swiping nine bases. The strikeout rate ticked up from 25% to 27%, and while the power held, his ability to hit advanced pitching remains a question.
Mack has the build of a traditional catcher, with a sturdy lower half and improving defensive skills. Both metrics and the eye test suggest he’ll be at least an average defender at the big-league level. But the offensive profile is mixed: a 32% chase rate and 76% in-zone contact rate point to spin recognition issues that could limit his hit tool against MLB arms.
Fantasy managers should treat Mack as a power-first catcher with playable defense and OBP risk. If the contact rates improve, he could be a 20+ homer backstop with sneaky speed. If not, he’s a streaky C2 with platoon volatility.
10. Andrew Salas (2B/SS/OF)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2028 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 SS/2B or Top 30 OF
- Last Updated: 11/11/2025
- Tools Summary: Switch-hitter with OBP skills, speed, and pedigree
Signed for $3.8 million as part of Miami’s 2025 international class, Andrew Salas skipped both the DSL and Complex League—debuting in Low-A just a month after turning 17. Like his brother Ethan, the Marlins pushed him aggressively, and while the results were modest, he held his own. Salas hit just .189 but posted a .319 OBP thanks to a 16% walk rate, showing advanced zone control for his age.
A switch-hitter with more power from the left side, Salas has a smooth swing and above-average speed (not a burner), projecting for 15–20 stolen bases early in his career. He was understandably overwhelmed at times, but the swing mechanics, athleticism, and plate discipline suggest a foundation worth betting on. He’ll likely repeat Low-A in 2026, but given the family pedigree and aggressive track record, don’t be surprised if he’s fast-tracked to Jacksonville.
Fantasy managers should treat Salas as a long-term upside play. The OBP skills and speed give him a floor, and if the hit tool develops, he could grow into a multi-category contributor with positional flexibility. He’s raw, but he’s a Salas—don’t count him out.
