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. Mesa Jr should be ready for Spring Training and is expected to make the ballclub by most.
You were so close to the debut in 2024 and then an injury changed everything.
It’s another year, but the path will be the same. The training also the same, with the same people, thanks to my team that is always there to support me and bring out the best in me. In my opinion I did a tremendous job last year in the offseason, that’s why from the first moment I arrived in Jacksonville, the results were visible. I felt good, with a lot of confidence.”
But an injury changed everything, how frustrating was it?
God’s timing is perfect. What do you want me to tell you, it was more frustrating for no one than for me. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe it wasn’t the time. God willing it is now. From day one I have the mentality that I can join a team in the Majors from the start of the season. That’s what I have in my head and no one is going to get me out of that mindframe.
Did you feel at any time that the call was imminent?
When I was healthy I did feel it. They told me that it was coming soon and joked that the call had been lost on the way. But when I got to the field I focused on the fact that I was not yet a Major League player. I’m not yet. Even though I did well last year, I’m still a Triple-A player. I will focus more on dominating my league this year, wherever it will be.
How are you with your back problem?
I felt good until I had that problem, but thank God I’m fine now. It is a problem of the past, we are one hundred percent ready to start the season and go to Jupiter.
Have you done anything different this winter or more of the same?
There is always something to work on, especially if he aren’t in the Major Leagues and with a million-dollar contract. You always wok on your body, align the swing, work on your strength and the acceleration of your swing. We are always working hard and also trying to stay healthy. Don’t go crazy. You try to have the same consistency, discipline and try to be a professional from top to bottom.
Do you really believe in the chance of making the team for Opening Day?
There is a good chance because of all the things that have happened in the offseason. I believe that I am ready, but I am not the one who makes the decisions. I’m only going to give my best, to contribute my grain of sand to give the team victories. Let whatever has to happen happen. I’m not worried about that.
Nobody imagines the work a player makes does in the offseason. Please tell us about it.
For me it is crucial. It’s time to improve all aspects of the game. Many people know their body. I am going to train every day, giving one hundred percent. That’s the only way to improve. So you’ve seen me here the past years, this year and I will be here for years to come. Even when I am in the Major Leagues, I will continue to work hard because this is my way of being.
The situation with Marlins is a complicated one, how do you see the club?
It is a young team, but very hungry. Most have little or no Major League experience. It is true that in other aspects other teams are and also have good players, but there is no fear. In the end it is baseball. I don’t speak for anyone, but I go into the season without any fear. Nobody is better than me and I’m not better than anyone else either. That’s what I train for and I feel confident going into the season, with all do respect.