The road to Miami is paved with butter and cocktail sauce. If you’re a fan of the Florida Marlins—or the Miami Marlins as they’ve been known for over a decade—you know the deal. The Florida Marlins AAA team isn't just a placeholder for veterans waiting for a phone call; it's a massive developmental engine. Since 2021, that engine has been the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
They play in the International League. They wear jerseys that feature a shrimp holding a bat. It sounds goofy, sure. But look closer. This team won the 2025 International League Championship and the Triple-A National Championship. They aren't just playing; they're winning big.
Honestly, the jump from Double-A to the big leagues is often called the hardest in sports. But for the Marlins, the jump from Pensacola to Jacksonville is where the real "men" are made. In 2026, the roster at VyStar Ballpark is arguably more exciting than the one at loanDepot park.
The Current State of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Let’s get one thing straight. The Jumbo Shrimp are the Florida Marlins AAA team for the long haul. They signed a 10-year agreement back in 2021. This wasn't some fly-by-night deal. It’s a rock-solid partnership.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, the buzz around the Shrimp is electric. We’re talking about a farm system that has been completely rebuilt. Thomas White, the left-handed phenom, is the name on everyone’s lips. He’s projected to be a monster this year. Then you've got Robby Snelling. Snelling just snagged a 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove. He’s a pitcher who can actually field his position, which is a lost art.
You’ve probably heard of Owen Caissie too. He came over in the Edward Cabrera trade from the Cubs earlier this month. He’s a big, power-hitting outfielder who’s basically the centerpiece of the new-look Marlins blueprint. Seeing him in a Jacksonville jersey this March is going to be a treat for Northeast Florida fans.
🔗 Read more: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2026 schedule is already out. Opening day is March 27 against the Rochester Red Wings. It’s going to be packed.
Why the Name Change Mattered
People still ask about the "Jacksonville Suns." That name lasted for decades. It was safe. It was classic. But in 2017, owner Ken Babby leaned into the weirdness. He rebranded them as the Jumbo Shrimp.
Why?
To sell hats? Partly. But it also created a unique identity that separates them from the parent club while keeping them uniquely "Florida." The Florida Marlins AAA team has moved around a lot in the past—New Orleans, Wichita, Albuquerque—but Jacksonville feels like home. It’s only a five-hour drive from Miami. If a starter gets a blister in the third inning in Miami, a replacement can be on a flight or in a car and at the stadium before the post-game spread is cold.
Big Names to Watch in 2026
If you're heading to a game this summer, you aren't just watching "minor leaguers." You're watching the future of the franchise. The roster is deep.
💡 You might also like: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
- Joe Mack: The catcher everyone is waiting for. He was added to the 40-man roster late in 2025. His defense is top-tier.
- Jacob Berry: He’s been a bit of a polarizing figure since being drafted high, but he hit the blast that led Jacksonville to that Triple-A National Championship win. He’s got something to prove.
- Kemp Alderman: A guy who can play right field and pitch in a pinch? Not exactly Ohtani, but his power is real. He was named Marlins' Player of the Year for 2025.
The middle infield is also crowded. You've got guys like Javier Sanoja and Maximo Acosta. These are high-contact, high-speed players. The Marlins organization made "stolen bases" a priority in 2025, and it’s paying off. The Shrimp are fast. They're aggressive. It’s a fun brand of baseball that most MLB teams are trying to emulate now.
A Brief History of the Marlins AAA Affiliates
The Florida Marlins AAA team hasn't always been in Jacksonville. Far from it. When the franchise started in 1993, they were out in Edmonton with the Trappers. Imagine being a prospect and having to fly from Alberta, Canada to South Florida. That’s a brutal commute.
After that, they spent time with the Charlotte Knights (1995-1998) and the Calgary Cannons (1999-2002). Then came the Albuquerque Isotopes era (2003-2008). Those were the years when the ball flew out of the park because of the elevation. It made it impossible for the Marlins to tell if their pitchers were actually bad or just victims of the thin air.
Then things got even weirder. They went to New Orleans (the Zephyrs/Baby Cakes) from 2009 to 2019. Finally, after a very brief stint where the "Wichita Wind Surge" were supposed to be the affiliate (but never played a AAA game due to the pandemic and restructuring), they landed in Jacksonville.
It’s the best thing that ever happened to the organization. Keeping the Florida Marlins AAA team in-state is a logistical dream.
📖 Related: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
The Impact of Cosmic Baseball
In 2026, the Jumbo Shrimp are doing something wild. They’re hosting "Cosmic Baseball." It’s baseball played under blacklights with glowing equipment. The first game sold out so fast they had to add another one for March 21.
This is the kind of stuff that makes the AAA experience in Jacksonville special. They don't just care about the box score; they care about the gate. And when the stadium is full and the energy is high, the players perform better. Just ask Robby Snelling or Owen Caissie. They’ll tell you that playing in front of "Crustacean Nation" feels like the big leagues.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to follow the Florida Marlins AAA team or even invest in some prospect cards, here is how you should approach the 2026 season:
- Track the "ETA" closely: Most of the top talent in Jacksonville (White, Snelling, Mack) has a 2026 ETA for the majors. This means the roster will churn heavily by July. Watch the early-season games if you want to see the "super team" before they get promoted.
- Attend the Hot Stove Banquet: On the First Coast, the Hot Stove Banquet (this year featuring Braves legend Andruw Jones) is where you get the real dirt on player health and development.
- Buy the merch now: Jumbo Shrimp gear is consistently a top-seller in Minor League Baseball. If you want the limited edition "Public Domain" or "Cosmic" jerseys, you have to move fast. They don't restock those often.
- Watch the 40-man roster moves: Since Joe Mack was added to the 40-man, his path to Miami is clear. Keep an eye on guys like Javier Sanoja. If they aren't on the 40-man yet, their promotion usually requires a corresponding "drop" or injury move, which slows things down.
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have moved beyond being just a "farm team." They are a championship-winning organization in their own right. Whether you call them the Florida Marlins AAA team or the pride of Northeast Florida, one thing is certain: the future of baseball in Miami is being built in the shrimp docks of Jacksonville.