Marlins Conduct Internal Discussions Around a Mack Extension
· Yahoo Sports
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Marlins have reportedly held internal discussions around an extension for catcher Joe Mack.
Despite having two more years of pre-arbitration, the 23-year-old rookie quickly emerged as a core piece of the franchise’s future. He’s currently batting .245 with a .748 OPS, including 48 hits in 196 at-bats, seven doubles, 33 runs batted in, and 11 home runs in 67 games. Mack has produced a 27 wRC, but the true value comes from behind the plate.
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As a catcher, Mack’s pop time is at 1.89 (79th percentile), framing at four (89th percentile), caught stealing above average at five (97th percentile), and blocks above average at one (62nd percentile). He provides stability for the Marlins’ pitching staff.
The last player the organization signed to a long-term extension was ace Sandy Alcantara in 2021. He signed a five-year, $56 million deal, including a $21 million club option for the 2027 season.
Mack won’t enter free agency until the 2032 season. The Marlins’ interest in securing him for the future shows the value he holds within the clubhouse. Also, it would be the addition of a recent trend this season.
In late March and early April, several major league rookies signed long-term extensions, including Milwaukee Brewers’ Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara, Seattle Mariners’ Colt Emerson, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin, and Detroit Tigers’ Kevin McGonigle.
The Marlins’ willingness to invest shows a turnaround in the organization’s approach. Usually ahead of the trade deadline, the word around the clubhouse is, “Which star player would be dealt?” Alcantara has been linked in several rumors, but the franchise is moving forward with him as the face of it.
In over two months in the majors, Mack has become one of the league’s most prolific catchers. He has the athleticism and control to put base-runners away. Plus, the offense has only picked up since the promotion.
The Marlins should reach an extension with Mack, but it could depend on what happens at the trade deadline. Catcher Liam Hicks has been linked in several rumors, including in connections to the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. If dealt, Mack would solidify himself as the Marlins’ primary catcher.
President Peter Bendix has yet to sign a player to a long-term extension since joining the organization’s front office in 2023. Mack could be the first ahead of a potential lockout, as the Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire in early December.