Marlins Top Pitching Prospect to Play in Futures Game

One of the top pitching prospects in the Miami Marlins farm system will get his chance to showcase his talents on the national stage.

Karson Milbrandt was selected to represent the Marlins in the 2026 Futures Game on Sunday, July 12, in Philadelphia.

Milbrandt has been one of the best pitchers not only in the Marlins farm system but also in the minor leagues. In 13 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, Milbrandt has posted a 1.63 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched.

The Marlins went into last season addressing Milbrandt’s apparent lack of command in 2024 by emphasizing staying in the strike zone. He took a major step forward in 2025 with a 3.00 ERA in 22 starts across three different minor league levels.

That season prompted him to be included among the Marlins’ representatives in the Arizona Fall League last autumn. Milbrandt issued 23 strikeouts in 13.1 innings over five appearances with the Mesa Solar Sox.

Milbrandt, a native of Liberty, Missouri, displayed his early athletic potential as an MSHSAA All-District basketball player and the Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year in 2022. He would have committed to Vanderbilt University, but the Marlins went over slot that year to sign him for $1,497,500 after drafting him in the third round.

Scouts noted the 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher’s fastball can reach 98 mph, and he leans heavily on a sweeping mid-80s slider that is well located. Milbrandt also throws a cutter in the upper-80s, a curveball that averages low-80s and a changeup that isn’t used much but is effective when called upon.