In-state products excited to suit up together in Marlins' organization

MIAMI -- A week ago, Joey Volini patiently waited to hear his name called on Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft. When it happened in the sixth round, 168th overall to the Marlins, Volini realized a reunion was in the cards.

The 6-foot-4 left-hander out of Florida State University would be joining the same organization as Seminoles teammates Max Williams (third round) and Drew Faurot (fourth).

“Max was going to tell me that they thought about drafting me, but then he didn't want to jinx it, so he ended up not saying anything, which I'm happy [about],” Volini said. “It was a big surprise. I didn't see this happening, but [I’m] very thankful. It's going to be great having Max and Drew around, guys that I already know, and good team chemistry we had at FSU, and bringing that here is going to be a big help.”

The baseball fraternity is a small one, and this year’s Marlins Draft class -- composed of 21 collegiate ballplayers -- is the perfect example.

Outside of the FSU trio, University of Virginia first baseman Chris Arroyo (fifth round) and University of Florida right-hander Jake Clemente (seventh) played high school ball together at powerhouse Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, Fla., then began their collegiate careers with the Gators before Arroyo transferred. Clemente and Faurot were on the same Cape Cod League team (Brewster) last summer.

“As you get older in baseball, you realize how small the world is,” Faurot said. “‘I know somebody everywhere’ is kind of the thing. So it's always cool to see guys that you've played with or known in the past, and you kind of circle back and see them again.”

Florida State, Florida and Douglas are winning programs with a history of success.

Between FSU and UF, there is one national championship and 38 College World Series appearances. In this year’s Draft, the Seminoles set a school record and were tied for the most picks (11) of any NCAA team. Entering last week, Florida had 14 first-round selections -- second most nationally -- since Kevin O'Sullivan took over in 2008. Douglas has been a fixture on the prep scene over the past two decades. Both Arroyo and Clemente were teammates with Red Sox rookie outfielder Roman Anthony. Orioles infielder Coby Mayo lived down the block from Clemente.

“Coach [Todd] Fitz-Gerald does a great job of working every day,” Arroyo said. “We work from like 3-7, and it's every day. It's very constant, very pay attention to details. And then I think the competition. The standard that they set up there is not failing. It's getting better every single day, so just following everyone's lead and just keep working to get better.”

Over the years, bragging rights were on the line in head-to-head battles.

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Volini went toe-to-toe with Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella (Competitive Balance Round A) in Atlantic Coast Conference action. So did Clemente in the 2024 Super Regional. Clemente also faced the Seminoles when his Gators squared off in one of college sports’ fiercest rivalries.

"He was nasty,” Williams said of Clemente. “I think I popped up. Not ideal, but at least I didn't punch."

Setting aside their allegiances, Clemente would meet up with his FSU ballplayer friends, including at the MLB Draft Combine in June.

Now, they will likely suit up in the same uniform. Familiar faces being around for this new chapter of life will only help their development in professional baseball.

“Me and Max have been texting, and same with Drew,” Clemente said. “We've been texting, and it's been nice. It's definitely good to be drafted in a Draft class with guys where you know them already, and it basically just allows you to have that bond and to feel a little more comfortable entering a new situation. Also with Chris Arroyo.”

The Draft picks that already have signed watched the Marlins’ series finale against the Royals on Sunday in a suite before going out for an organized dinner. They had a workout on Monday before watching batting practice from the field.

“I feel like it's more of a love/hate relationship,” Arroyo said. “Used to hate them because we played against them, and you know how there are rivalries in college. But now that we're teammates, at least we know each other. I remember playing some of these guys that were on the other side, and we're like, ‘Damn, he's coming up to hit again,’ and now he's on my team. So I'm happy he's on my team now.”