Victor Mesa, Jr. becomes Marlins top ranked prospect

Newly signed Victor Mesa, Jr. has become the Miami Marlins top minor league prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

Newly signed Cuban prospect Victory Mesa, Jr. hasn’t played an inning of baseball in the Miami Marlins organization but has already assumed the top spot in the team’s minor league system, according to MLB Pipeline’s rankings of minor league players.

Mesa and his brother Victor Victor Mesa signed with the organization in October as the Marlins pursued the prospects along with Sandy Gaston in a continuing effort to strengthen their minor league system and build for the future.

The new list of prospects means outfielder Monte Harrison is now second on the team’s list of players who will make up the future of the organization.

Per an Oct. 22 story on Marlin Maniac, Victor Victor Mesa, 22, will receive about $5.25 million, and his 17-year-old brother, Victor Mesa, Jr. agreed to $1 million.

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“From day one, we stressed as an organization the importance of building this organization with depth throughout our Minor League system and the need to invest in the international market,” team owner and CEO Derek Jeter said. “Today, we have done just that. We have had the opportunity to sign two of the top prospects in the international class.”

Harrison is still considered a “can’t-miss” prospect who has been excelling in the Arizona Fall League. The centerfielder spent his season in Jacksonville at the Marlins Double-A level. It is expected he will begin 2019 in New Orleans at the Triple-A level and could be part of the team’s Major League roster toward the end of the year.

For years, the Marlins did not dip into the international pool for players and prospects. It is now part of the blueprint Jeter and his staff has put together to find the best talent on baseball’s landscape.

It also will help with the change in culture within the organization and the culture of south Florida where there are a heavy Latino and Cuban community.

Per MLB Pipeline’s assessment Mesa, Jr. is, “Considered an outstanding defender with a strong arm. He’s also a plus runner, and scouts like his upside and pedigree.”

He may still be a few years away from joining the Marlins on the Major League roster. The profile continues…

“Mesa profiles as a top-of-the-order hitter, although there are questions remaining about his hit tool and power potential because he’s not considered a pure hitter like fellow Cubans Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada were at the same age.”