It’s nearly time to catch some of the Marlins' top prospects sharing the same field before they potentially do so in the big leagues.
More on Spring Breakout
Nearly half of Miami’s Top 30 prospects made the organization’s final roster for the third annual Spring Breakout, which was announced on Wednesday.
Here’s what to know about the Marlins’ contingent participating in the exhibition on Thursday afternoon.
What is Spring Breakout?
In 2026, MLB Spring Breakout will again be a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future -- the current stars of Minor League Baseball – in 16 exhibition games played between teams composed of each MLB organization’s top prospects. The third edition will be held from March 19-22 at Grapefruit and Cactus league stadiums during Spring Training.
In 2027, Spring Breakout will be expanded into a single-elimination tournament format, with champions being crowned in both the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues.
When is the Marlins’ game?
Marlins prospects will face Astros prospects on Thursday at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET.
How can I tune in?
Notable position players
Ten ranked position-player prospects are on the roster, led by catcher Joe Mack (Marlins' No. 5 prospect, No. 62 overall). Recently optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville, Mack is nearing his MLB debut after seeing substantial reps at big league camp with Agustín Ramírez and Liam Hicks participating at the World Baseball Classic.
Joining Mack are shortstop Starlyn Caba (Marlins' No. 7 prospect, Jesús Luzardo trade) and outfielder Cam Cannarella (No. 8, Competitive Balance Round A pick in 2025), both of whom appeared in two Grapefruit League games as invitees from Minor League camp.
After a thumb injury limited him to just 51 games at Single-A Jupiter, Caba impressed with an .828 OPS in 18 Arizona Fall League games. Cannarella made his professional debut at High-A Beloit, where he posted a .712 OPS in 22 games.
Outfielders Kemp Alderman (Marlins' No. 9 prospect, Marlins Minor League Player of the Year), Dillon Lewis (No. 11, acquired in the Ryan Weathers trade), Brendan Jones (No. 19, also from the Weathers trade) and Fenwick Trimble (No. 20) are also on the roster. All four were NRIs at big league camp.
Notable pitchers
After a breakout 2025 season, right-hander Karson Milbrandt (Marlins' No. 10 prospect) headlines the pitching group at Spring Breakout. Milbrandt, who was High-A Beloit’s MVP and was named an Arizona Fall League Fall Star, struck out three batters over two scoreless innings in Grapefruit League action as an NRI.
Righties Noble Meyer (Marlins' No. 15), Aiden May (No. 28) and Grant Shepardson (No. 29) round out the ranked pitching prospects. Meyer, the 10th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, is trying to bounce back after tough 2024-25 campaigns. May returned from elbow surgery to make his long-awaited pro debut in 2025, and wound up pitching in the AFL. Shepardson combined for a 4.23 ERA in 17 games (10 starts) across two lower levels in his first season.
Roster details
Spring Breakout rosters were constructed in two phases in 2026. Clubs initially submit preliminary 40-man player pools on Thursday, March 5, which were then pared down to the official rosters on March 18. The rosters were assembled using MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Prospects lists plus additional prospects submitted by the club.
Gameday roster (Marlins' Top 30 Prospects list):
PITCHERS (7)
Karson Milbrandt, RHP, No. 10
Noble Meyer, RHP, No. 15
Aiden May, RHP, No. 28
Grant Shepardson, RHP, No. 29
Xavier Cardenas III, RHP, NR
Jake Clemente, RHP, NR
Jake Faherty, RHP, NR
CATCHERS (2)
Joe Mack, C, No. 5/MLB No. 62
Ryan Ignoffo, C, NR
INFIELDERS (6)
Starlyn Caba, SS/2B, No. 7
Chris Arroyo, 1B, NR
Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B, NR
Carter Johnson, SS, NR
Chase Jaworsky, SS, NR
Juan Matheus, SS, NR
OUTFIELDERS (9)
Cam Cannarella, OF, No. 8
Kemp Alderman, OF, No. 9
Dillon Lewis, OF, No. 11
Andrew Salas, OF/SS, No. 12
Brendan Jones, OF, No. 19
Fenwick Trimble, OF, No. 20
Esmil Valencia, OF, No. 23
Dillon Head, OF, No. 26
Ethan O’Donnell, OF, NR