The Marlins selected the contracts of Anthony Maldonado and Victor Mesa Jr. ahead of the Rule 5 deadline, the team announced to reporters (including Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald). These moves leave the team with three open spots remaining on the 40-man roster.
Maldonado, 25, could pitch for Miami at some point next season. The right-handed reliever had a strong year at Triple-A in 2023, pitching 46 innings with a 1.76 ERA, nine saves, and a 39.4% strikeout rate. Those are promising numbers indeed, although it’s much harder to miss bats in the majors than it is at Triple-A, so Maldonado still has his work cut out for him to prove that he’s ready for a bigger role. Nonetheless, the Marlins clearly like what they have seen enough to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Mesa, 22, isn’t as close to being ready for the majors, but with his quick legs and strong defense in center field, another club certainly could’ve picked him up and stashed him on their active roster in 2024. Miami’s No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, his glove and contact skills give him a high floor, while his power potential gives him a high ceiling, especially if he can stick in center field as he ages.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Marlins chose not to protect Troy Johnston. The 26-year-old lefty batter had a phenomenal season in 2023, batting .307 and slugging 26 home runs in 134 games between Double- and Triple-A. However, given his age and position – he is a first baseman who can cover an outfield corner in a pinch – Johnston really needs to hit in order to stick on a major league roster. That’s precisely what he did last season, but he has yet to prove he can do so consistently at the highest level. Moreover, the Marlins already have Josh Bell plugged in at first base, and they’re hoping to bring back Jorge Soler at DH. Evidently, they decided they did not have room for Johnston on the major league roster.
Johnston just 1 of several young guys I wanted to see get an opportunity last year, and didnt…
I’m curious to see where this goes with Bendix. I thought Johnston was a lock to be protected.
If not, it will be interesting to see who drafts him. I figure teams like the A’s or Royals will be eyeing him hard.
Is this victor mesa or victor victor mesa? Because there is two of them I believe
It’s Victor Mesa Jr., Victor Victor has already washed out and I believe is no longer with the organization. Which is funny because Victor Victor was the big prize and everyone said Victor Jr. was only signed to make him happy.
Mesa Jr. Youngest son of the Cuban Slugger.,,,
Victor Mesa Jr. is Victor Victor Mesa’s younger brother.
Surprised about Johnston, I thought there was a shot he contributed a good bit this year. Also assumed we’d protect Nasim Nunez too.
Nunez stunk it up in the AZ fall league after doing zero all season. He has some good physical tools, but can’t seem to put them together on the field of play. Likely no team would take a chance and pluck him as a rule V.
@ skins
Stunk it up in the AFL? In 20 games he got 15 RBI 13Runs scored and stole 14 bases. He may also be the best defender in the Marlins system, including the MLB roster
UKPhil – He OPS’d .653 and had a grand total of 3 XBH in 94 PAs in what’s a very hitter friendly environment in the AFL. Also struck out 20 times in 79 ABs.
This is after OPSing .627 in AA with 107 Ks in 490 ABs.
He really struggles to make quality contact and put the ball in play. Read his scouting reports. They all agree with his problem areas.
Don’t care how good of a defender he may be. That’s just not going to cut it.
Nunez is a very fine short stop with great speed. I really want him to find a way to make it.
Well, let’s see what the game plan is here.
3 spots available on the 40 man: I hope there is a game plan.
Victor Mesa Sr. loved his name so much he named his kids Victor and Victor Victor.
The Fish will regret leaving Troy Johnston unprotected. With very few decent position player prospects in the system, no one looks more ready to contribute on the major league level. He deserved a shot. When you have someone with his hit tools and offensive profile, you find a way to keep him on the roster and make it work.