Víctor Mesa Jr is predicted to be a future major leaguer. In some people’s opinion if not for a late season injury he might have made the big leagues last season with the Miami Marlins. The young outfielder was a heralded signing when he inked a deal with ballclub in 2019. In 2023 Mesa hit 18 longballs, knocked in 76 runs and stole 10 bases at Double-A Pensacola. Last year at Triple-A Jacksonville he was on the cusp of making the big show hitting .259 with 13 homers, 14 doubles, 51 runs batted in and five stolen bases before his season abruptly ended by injury.
Although reaching the big leagues is the ultimate goal for Mesa he always longed to play in his homeland’s top tournament, the Serie Nacional. A tournament in which his father Víctor Mesa was not only a legendary player, but also a respected manager during his time on the island. His brother who also signed with Miami in 2018 for a team record 5.25M, established himself as a top prospect in Cuba when he hit .357 with 40 stolen bases in 2017 with Havana’s Industriales.
“I would have liked to have played in the Serie Nacional. This is something I wanted to do even before making the decision to leave Cuba. I don’t know now, but when I was little the goal for me was reaching the Cuban National Series and playing for my people. In Cuba people are very fanatical about baseball. I think it’s something that I have left to fulfill. My dad had all the records as a manager. He also built a great team with Matanzas, but could never win a title. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my baseball career. I always wanted to play amongst my idols like Yuli Gurriel (that’s why I use #10) and Leonys Martin”, said Mesa about wanting to play on the island to Seven8six podcast recently.
Mesa should be ready for Spring Training and also quipped this to the podcast about his rehabilitation, ” I have been feel like I’m at 100% for a few weeks now, lifting weights and doing everything else. Although I officially left rehabilitation recently, I should be ready long before Spring Training. I will be ready before then, there are no excuses, I’m ready to give my best.” Expect big things from the young slugger this spring and do not be surprised if Mesa breaks camp with the big club this year.
Below is the interview with the Marlins’ prospect in its entirety.