The Miami Marlins already have a lively middle infield pairing in Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, but another name is starting to loom over the picture. Starlyn Caba is on the rise, and the organization may soon have to make room for a third young infielder with real upside.
Caba, who came over from Philadelphia in the Jesus Luzardo trade, is now ranked as the Marlins’ No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline after its latest update tied to the MLB Draft. He entered the deal as one of the Phillies’ top prospects, and his stock has carried over to South Florida.
At 5-9, Caba doesn’t fit the classic power-prospect mold, but the bat still has some punch to it. He’s a switch-hitter who puts the ball in play, works counts, and shows a disciplined approach that stands out. MLB Pipeline’s scouting report puts it plainly:
"A switch-hitter, Caba makes a ton of contact from both sides of the plate, handles secondary pitches well, and rarely chases, having walked at least as much as he strikes out at every stop. His flat swing and smaller frame do not portend much power, although it has shown up more in 2026 now that he's fully healthy."
That same report sees him as "a potential leadoff hitter (best case) or No. 9 hitter (worst case)."
Caba is currently at High-A Beloit, where he’s hitting .242 with five home runs, 36 RBI, and 19 stolen bases. The quickness shows up in more than one place: at the plate, in the field, and on the bases. His hands and feet help give him value all over the diamond.
The timeline still points a little ways down the road. He’s projected to reach the majors in 2028, though he should get a spring look in 2027. The expected path has him moving to Double-A next season and then climbing again in 2028 before he’s ready for the big leagues.
When that day comes, manager Clayton McCullough will have a good problem on his hands: figuring out how to fit three talented young infielders into the same mix.
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