'26 season in jeopardy for Defrank (Marlins No. 5 prospect, No. 98 overall)

The Marlins placed Top 100 prospect Kevin Defrank on the 60-day Minor League injured list on Thursday with a right biceps issue. Though the injury didn't require surgery, Defrank's 2026 season is in doubt.

Sources told MLB.com that due to the timeline of the Florida Complex League season, the 60-day IL designation means the 17-year-old Defrank, who ranks as the organization's fifth-ranked prospect (MLB Pipeline's No. 98 overall), would be unable to pitch in the FCL. If Defrank heals quickly, however, there is a chance he could potentially return and pitch toward the end of Single-A Jupiter's season. The Hammerheads play through Sept. 6.

Defrank, one of the Marlins' top international signings in the 2025 class, posted a 3.19 ERA in 10 starts in the Dominican Summer League to begin his professional career. In 31 innings, he struck out 34 and walked 10. After that promising debut, the Marlins brought Defrank stateside for his second pro campaign, falling in line with the organization's aggressiveness in promoting prospects.

While big league camp was taking place this spring in Jupiter, Fla., Defrank was throwing on the back fields with other prospects at Minor League camp in preparation for the 2026 season.

According to MLB Pipeline's scouting report, the 6-foot-5, 202-pounder is physically mature for his age with an athletic, muscly frame. Defrank can touch triple digits on a four-seamer that he is able to locate and get both ride and armside run on. His advanced changeup features splitter-like sink and his sweeping slider has high spin rates. On the 20-80 scouting scale, Defrank's offerings grade as follows: fastball (70), slider (55) and changeup (50).