Marlins Option Top Prospects Joe Mack and Ryan Gusto

Catching prospect Mack and pitcher Gusto sent to minors as Marlins finalize roster

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:20pm

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The Miami Marlins have optioned two of their top prospects, catcher Joe Mack and right-handed pitcher Ryan Gusto, to the minor leagues as part of their latest round of spring training roster cuts. Mack, a 2021 first-round draft pick, is considered one of the team's top-100 prospects but struggled at the plate this spring. Gusto, acquired in a trade last year, had a difficult debut with the Marlins after being called up from the minors.

Why it matters

The Marlins are looking to build around their young core of talent, so the development of prospects like Mack and Gusto will be crucial to the team's long-term success. The decisions to option them to the minors indicate the Marlins want them to get more seasoning before contributing at the MLB level.

The details

Mack, 23, hit just .125 with 7 strikeouts in 24 at-bats this spring, raising concerns about his contact abilities that scouts have noted. The Marlins prefer to have him start the season at Triple-A to work on his approach at the plate and get more familiar with the automated ball-strike system. Gusto, acquired from the Astros last year, struggled mightily in his three starts for the Marlins, posting a 9.77 ERA. He'll head to the minors as rotation depth rather than converting to a bullpen role.

  • The Marlins announced the roster moves on March 15, 2026.

The players

Joe Mack

A 23-year-old catcher who is a consensus top-100 MLB prospect and the Marlins' first-round draft pick in 2021.

Ryan Gusto

A right-handed pitcher acquired by the Marlins in a trade last year, who struggled in his brief MLB debut with the team.

Liam Hicks

A catcher the Marlins selected in the 2024 Rule 5 draft, who had a solid rookie season in 2025.

Agustin Ramirez

A catcher/first baseman/DH prospect the Marlins acquired from the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline, who had a 91 wRC+ in his MLB debut in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“While Mack would get the opportunity to fight his way onto the MLB roster, the team's preference was for him to begin the season at Triple-A and hand catching duties over to the combination of Liam Hicks and Agustin Ramirez.”

— Christina De Nicola, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

What’s next

Mack and Gusto will continue their development at the Triple-A level, with the hope that they can contribute to the major league club later this season.

The takeaway

The Marlins are taking a patient approach with their top prospects, opting to let Mack and Gusto get more seasoning in the minors before bringing them up to the big leagues. This strategy reflects the team's long-term vision of building around a core of young talent.