MIAMI — The Marlins have begun internal discussions about a long-term extension for catcher Joe Mack, the homegrown Gold Glove-caliber backstop who has slugged double-digit home runs despite not debuting until May, according to MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola.
Mack is the clearest candidate to anchor a young core that Miami is increasingly eager to lock down. Right-hander Eury Pérez, who was involved in extension rumors last offseason, is another candidate. Pérez shares the same representation as mentor Sandy Alcantara, who previously signed an extension with the organization under a different front office.
The Marlins’ farm system is also nearing a wave of reinforcements. Rookie Josh Ekness is nearing the end of his rehab assignment, while veterans Andrew Nardi and Anthony Bender and rookie William Kempner remain sidelined. No. 2 prospect Robby Snelling, ranked No. 34 overall, is still within the typical 10-12 months of recovery after elbow surgery, placing his return likely next summer.
No. 1 prospect Thomas White, ranked No. 21 overall, has been quieter. De Nicola wrote that she expects to see No. 9 prospect Dillon Lewis and No. 3 prospect Aiva Arquette, ranked No. 37 overall, “healthy and back with Double-A Pensacola soon.” Arquette, who stands 6-foot-5, has played only three games at third base this season but could be a frontrunner for the job next spring if he stays healthy. The Marlins believe Arquette is close to being big league-ready, and assuming the club holds onto All-Star Otto Lopez, third base would be his path to the majors.
The outfield picture is sharpening as well. No. 6 prospect Cam Cannarella has posted a 1.006 combined OPS entering Saturday in 2026 and can play all three outfield positions, making him the most obvious candidate to crack the Opening Day roster. The rise of Cannarella, Brandon Compton and Kemp Alderman has made outfielders Heriberto Hernández, who turns 27 in December, and Griffin Conine, who turns 30 next summer, more expendable. Both are pre-arbitration-eligible and trending toward their highest trade value. Whether Jakob Marsee can bounce back will also factor into the outfield calculus.
With the trade deadline approaching, several Marlins relievers could be moved if the price is right as the club weighs a potential wild-card push against the chance to stockpile assets for a roster built around Mack, Pérez and the prospects closing in on Miami.