MIAMI -- The Marlins claimed right-hander Garrett Acton from the Rockies and designated for assignment outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. as the corresponding roster move on Tuesday afternoon.
The 40-man roster remains full.
The 24-year-old Mesa, who signed for $1 million as an international free agent along with his older brother and then top international prospect, Victor Victor, in 2018, made his Major League debut on May 26, 2025. In parts of 16 games with the Marlins, he slashed .188/.297/.344 with two doubles, one homer and six RBIs in 38 plate appearances. Victor Victor never reached the big leagues.
The younger Mesa, who can play all three outfield positions, dealt with injuries -- from ankle and back issues in 2024 to hamstring strains in ‘25 -- off and on. This past season, he hit .301/.368/.510 with 17 extra-base hits and 30 RBIs in 42 games for Triple-A Jacksonville. He ranked as high as No. 4 on Miami's Top 30 Prospect list in 2024.
The outfield group on Miami's 40-man roster now includes All-Star Kyle Stowers, Jakob Marsee, Owen Caissie (MLB Pipeline’s No. 42 overall prospect), Heriberto Hernández, Griffin Conine and Esteury Ruiz. Gold Glove-winning utility player Javier Sanoja and third baseman Connor Norby, who could see outfield reps this spring, also are in the mix.
Acton, 27, has given up eight runs on nine hits and seven walks with five strikeouts in 6 2/3 career big league innings. He made just one appearance for the Rays in 2025, and six for the ‘23 A’s. In between, Acton missed the ‘24 season due to Tommy John surgery.
In his return from the procedure, Acton recorded a 3.68 ERA, a 1.125 WHIP and a 10.9 K/9 rate in 45 games (four starts) with three saves for Triple-A Durham last season.
According to Baseball Savant, Acton throws a four-seamer, a changeup and a slider. In the lone 2025 MLB outing, he averaged 94.2 mph on the fastball, with a maximum velocity of 95.4 mph.
The Rockies had claimed Acton from the Rays in early November before DFA’ing him on Jan. 22.
The Marlins’ bullpen features former Ray Pete Fairbanks as the presumed closer and setup men Calvin Faucher (another former Ray), Anthony Bender and Tyler Phillips. Right-hander Lake Bachar and southpaw Cade Gibson are likely to make the Opening Day roster barring injuries, with the remaining spots up for grabs. Candidates include lefties Andrew Nardi and Josh Simpson and righties Acton, Michael Petersen, Josh White and William Kempner. Janson Junk, Ryan Gusto and Bradley Blalock, all of whom will compete for a rotation spot, could be swingman options.