Miami Marlins face trade rumors as Thomas White’s ascent looms over Alcántara’s rotation spot
The Miami Marlins have steadily built a promising rotation at the Major League level, characterized by a blend of youth and potential. With established names like Sandy Alcántara, Edward Cabrera, and Eury Pérez, the team has a strong foundation. However, the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Alcántara, despite his two years remaining on a favorable contract, indicate that Miami’s front office is keeping an eye on the development of its younger talent.
The Rising Star: Thomas White
Among the prospects making waves is Thomas White, whose rapid development could impact Alcántara’s future with the team. Baseball America has noted that White possesses the potential to make his Major League debut as early as 2026. This timeline underscores the importance of nurturing young arms in the organization, particularly if the Marlins decide to move Alcántara.
When the Marlins selected White in the first round of the 2023 draft, they secured one of the most promising left-handed pitchers available. A product of Phillips Academy in Rowley, Massachusetts, White was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in his home state and was initially committed to play at Vanderbilt. Miami lured him into the professional ranks with a substantial signing bonus of $4.1 million, making him the 35th overall pick.
Impressive Minor League Performance
White’s introduction to professional baseball began slowly, with only three starts in 2023. However, his trajectory has been on an upward curve since then. In his first full season in 2024, he showcased his talent across two minor league affiliates, achieving a record of 6-4 with a commendable 2.81 ERA over 21 starts. Striking out 120 batters and allowing just 38 walks in 96 innings, he demonstrated his potential as a future ace.
Last season, White escalated his performance further, reaching Triple-A Jacksonville where he posted a combined record of 4-3 with a stellar 2.31 ERA over 21 starts. His ability to fan 145 batters while walking 51 in 89.2 innings is indicative of his growing command on the mound. Opposing hitters managed a mere .174 batting average against him, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence.
In his brief stint with the Jumbo Shrimp, White recorded no-decisions in two starts, yet maintained a respectable 3.86 ERA, fanning 17 and issuing 10 walks across 9.1 innings. Such results are encouraging, especially as analysts from Baseball America rank him as the franchise’s top prospect.
A Bright Future Ahead
White’s raw talent is underscored by scouts who describe his fastball as consistently clocking in at 94-96 mph, with the ability to reach up to 99 mph. In addition to his fastball, he wields a change-up and a slider, the latter being his go-to pitch for strikeouts, which contributed to an impressive strikeout rate of 34%.
As the Marlins continue to navigate trade discussions involving Alcántara, the emergence of Thomas White serves as a pivotal factor in shaping the team’s future. The organization’s commitment to developing young talent is evident, and if White’s ascent continues, he could very well become a key player in Miami’s rotation—whether alongside or in place of Alcántara.
