Ely Sussman’s Top 30 Marlins prospects: Tier 5

Prospects within the same tier are largely interchangeable—considering their ceiling, floor, injury risk, position, room for development, ability to adjust and intangibles, I expect them to have similar career value.

The notes below were last updated on June 5, 2022.

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13) OF Victor Mesa Jr.

Acquired via international free agency in 2018

2022 MiLB stats entering June: .255/.313/.369, 93 wRC+ in 166 PA (A+)

Current level: High-A

2022 is age-20 (turns 21 on September 8)

14) INF Yiddi Cappe

Acquired via international free agency in 2021

2021 MiLB stats: .270/.329/.402, 103 wRC+ in 216 PA (Rk)

Current level: Rookie (FCL)

2022 is age-19 season (turns 20 on September 17)

15) RHP Zach McCambley

Acquired via MLB Draft in 2020

2022 MiLB stats entering June: 4.98 ERA, 4.98 FIP, .215 BAA in 34.1 IP (AA)

Current level: Double-A

2022 is age-23 season

16) C Nick Fortes

Acquired via MLB Draft in 2018

2022 MiLB stats entering June: .257/.342/.381, 99 wRC+ in 120 PA (AAA)

Current level: MLB

2022 is age-25 season

17) OF/1B Jerar Encarnación

Encarnación emerged as a consensus Top 30 Marlins prospect in early 2019 and stayed that way entering last season. But he struggled in his introduction to Pensacola—time lost due to injuries and the demands of learning a new position (1B) didn’t help.

In 2022, he dominated the Southern League, lowering his strikeout rate from 38.1% to 25.7%. Encarnación’s already-impressive batted ball quality has gone up a notch, too. He can spray no-doubt home runs in all directions.

Players with his extra-large frame (currently listed at 245 pounds) do not typically have lengthy careers. Making it through all of his arbitration years without being non-tendered would be a pleasant surprise. At the very least, you can bank on him enjoying some torrid stretches at the plate.

18) INF Cody Morissette

Acquired via MLB Draft in 2021

2022 MiLB stats entering June: .219/.307/.413, 105 wRC+ in 176 PA (A+)

Current level: High-A

2022 is age-22 season

19) C Joe Mack

Fish Stripes original GIF

Acquired via MLB Draft in 2021

2022 MiLB stats entering June: .308/.438/.615, 197 wRC+ in 16 PA (A)

Current level: Low-A (injured list)

2022 is age-19 season

20) INF Nasim Nunez

Acquired via MLB Draft in 2019

2022 MiLB stats entering June: .224/.326/.280, 82 wRC+ in 177 PA (A+)

Current level: High-A

2022 is age-21 season (turns 22 on August 18)

21) C Payton Henry

Fish Stripes original GIF

Acquired via trade in 2021

2022 MiLB stats entering June: .143/.333/.286, 81 wRC+ in 9 PA (AAA)

Current level: Triple-A

2022 is age-25 season (turns 25 on June 24)