NEW YORK – All season, the Marlins have stood by Jakob Marsee in the hopes of him breaking out.
Entering Thursday’s series opener in New York, Marsee tied with Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran for the lowest average (.197) and tied for the seventh-lowest wRC+ (76) among qualifying Major Leaguers.
Miami justified starting Marsee, who is in his first full Major League season, as the everyday center fielder rather than demoting him because of his ability to walk (13.1%, 89th percentile), play solid defense (five outs above average, 92nd percentile) and provide baserunning value.
Still, there appeared to be cracks as manager Clayton McCullough recently announced that Marsee would sit some games with a right-handed starter on the mound to give Esteury Ruiz more playing time. It’s also hard to ignore the production of Marlins No. 6 prospect Cam Cannarella, looming at Triple-A Jacksonville while boasting a combined 1.020 OPS between three Minor League levels this season.
In a promising performance, Marsee went deep for the first time in more than three weeks in Thursday night’s 4-2 loss to the Mets at Citi Field.
“That was maybe one of his better swings he's taken in a while, especially 3-0 count,” McCullough said. “He got himself ready to go for a heater. He's trending. I think it's been very encouraging recently with consecutive games of having some good at-bats and getting rewarded for that. It would a great time for him to really get it rolling.”
Marsee, who didn’t turn 25 until June 28, collected two hits in Monday’s comeback win over the Phillies. In the walk-off ninth, he led off the inning with a single. Though Marsee went hitless the remainder of that series, he robbed Bryce Harper of extra bases with an impressive catch on Tuesday.
After right-hander Eury Pérez allowed two runs (one earned) in his sixth and final inning to turn a 1-0 lead into a 2-1 deficit on Thursday, Marsee answered right back.
Marsee got the green light, hitting a game-tying homer to right-center against righty Nolan McLean’s elevated four-seamer. It signified his first career hit on a 3-0 count, and was also his first long ball since July 3 in West Sacramento.
“It's something I've never really done much,” Marsee admitted. “I remember I did it once last year and got out. Told myself I was probably never going to do it again. I did it again earlier this year in Colorado, and I thought it kind of freed me up a little bit, and right there, I was kind of debating honestly that whole time if I wanted to swing or not. But I knew a heater was coming, so I just wanted to be ready to hit.”
Earlier this season, an even-keeled Marsee admitted to pressing. How could he not with his offensive results? They were disappointing considering the offseason extension rumors and a promising 55-game stretch to begin his big league career in 2025.
While the Marlins experienced the highs of June and the lows of July, Marsee wanted nothing more than to contribute. Instead, he has learned firsthand how difficult it can be to live up to expectations placed upon young players when the league adjusts to one’s success.
“Marsee's been huge for us out there this year,” Kyle Stowers said following Tuesday’s game. “He's such a gifted player. I think defensively, every single night he brings his ‘A’ attention. He doesn't want any guys from the other team to get hits. If he can go get it, he's going to give it his best. Obviously, [we] still believe in him a ton at the plate, too. … Just really proud of the way he carries himself, and really grateful to be his teammate.”
But Marsee and Stowers’ solo shots were Miami’s only offense, and right-hander Michael Petersen – a possible trade candidate – allowed two eighth-inning runs on three consecutive two-out hits in his first action since taking a comebacker off his right forearm on Sunday.
The Marlins (55-55), balancing Deadline rumors and the National League Wild Card race, dropped to 2.5 games back of the final spot.
“I feel like it's hard to ignore,” Marsee said. “It's out there, and you open your phone, you see it. But at the same time, I think we all love playing with each other, and we're just trying to enjoy it each and every day. … Once it gets game time, everyone I think is just trying to win the games here, and whatever happens, happens. I think we're in a really good spot, so there's no point to focus on all that stuff, and we should just keep focused on these games.”