Why the Marlins Should Lock In Thomas White-Before He Becomes Unaffordable
In Major League Baseball, pitchers typically have to prove themselves on the mound-against big-league hitters-before front offices start talking long-term deals. It's just the way the game works.
But every so often, a prospect comes along who challenges the rules. Thomas White is one of those guys.
The Marlins took a swing on White in the 2023 MLB Draft, selecting him in the competitive balance round. At the time, he was already ahead of the curve.
Ranked as the No. 24 prospect in that class, White brought more than just potential-he brought polish. A mid-90s fastball with life, a curveball that spun at elite rates (hovering around 2700 rpm), and a developing changeup that hinted at late movement.
Add in a Vanderbilt commitment, strong academic chops, and a reputation for maturity beyond his years, and you’ve got the blueprint for a future frontline starter.
So why wasn’t he a top-10 pick? Scouts had questions about his ability to command the strike zone consistently and repeat his delivery-fair concerns for a 6’5” teenager still growing into his body. But those concerns are starting to fade.
In his first full pro season, White posted a 120-to-38 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 96 innings between Low-A and High-A. That’s a strong foundation.
He generated called strikes at a 16% clip and finished with a 30% CSW (called strikes plus whiffs). His first-pitch strike rate sat at 53%, which leaves room for growth, but the raw stuff was already playing.
Then came 2025-and White leveled up.
He arrived at minor league spring training 30 pounds heavier than when he was drafted. That added strength paid off immediately.
In one early bullpen session, he was cruising at 97 mph with just 80% effort. A coach told him to “let it go.”
White did-and the radar gun flashed triple digits.
The fastball wasn’t the only thing that took a leap. He reshaped his breaking ball into a slider with sharper bite and more swing-and-miss potential.
His changeup got firmer, giving him a legit third weapon. And through it all, he maintained control.
That’s the kind of growth you want to see from a top pitching prospect-stuff getting nastier without sacrificing command.
The results spoke for themselves. White dominated in 2025, earning MVP honors at Double-A Pensacola and finishing the year in Triple-A, helping the Jumbo Shrimp make a playoff push. He’s now on the doorstep of the big leagues, and there’s every reason to believe he’ll be in Miami sooner rather than later.
Which brings us to the big question: Should the Marlins offer him a long-term extension now?
The short answer? Yes. Absolutely.
White is the crown jewel of a rebuilt Marlins farm system. He’s got size, stuff, control, and the kind of poise that’s rare for a 21-year-old.
If he breaks into the majors and performs the way many expect, his price tag will skyrocket-and fast. For a small-market team like Miami, that’s a problem.
Locking him up now could be their only shot at keeping a potential ace in teal through his prime.
An early extension would also send a strong message: that the Marlins are serious about building around their own talent. It would push back White’s free agency clock, give them cost certainty, and provide a left-handed anchor in a rotation that’s lacked one during two straight losing seasons.
Of course, there’s a wrinkle-White is represented by Scott Boras. And Boras doesn’t do discounts.
He’s built a career on taking his clients to free agency and letting the market set the price. But this situation might be different.
There’s never been a pre-MLB extension for a pitcher, and Boras might be intrigued by the chance to break new ground while securing generational wealth for a client who’s only just turned 21.
A framework already exists. Look at Hunter Greene, who signed a six-year, $53 million deal (with a club option) early in his MLB career.
With performance bonuses, that deal could reach $95 million. For the Marlins, a similar structure-with a second club option-could keep White in Miami through 2033.
It’s been a busy extension season for the Marlins. They’ve had talks with Kyle Stowers and Eury Pérez, but so far, nothing’s gotten across the finish line. While both players are key pieces of Miami’s future, Thomas White might be the most important of them all.
The Marlins have a rare opportunity here. They’ve got a potential ace in-house-homegrown, high-upside, and still affordable.
Waiting could cost them. Acting now could change the trajectory of the franchise.