Three generations of Marlins train together

MIAMI -- The past, present and future collide at a facility in Hialeah, Fla., where 2003 World Series hero Miguel Cabrera, current Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas and outfield prospect Victor Mesa Jr. train over the offseason. Though the setup may seem to be a coincidence, it's by design.

Rojas, who has embraced the role of unofficial captain of the Marlins, came up with the idea of mentoring one local prospect and showing him how to prepare for a full season. The seven-year veteran is paying it forward after fellow Venezuelan Martín Prado invited him to work out together five years ago in Orlando. As one of the key pieces on the big league club, Rojas wants to nurture the foundation laid out during the Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter ownership.

"I take big pride in trying to keep helping our organization's players to get better every single year, every single time," Rojas said via Zoom. "If you give that knowledge to one guy, that's going to go a long way, because that guy is going to take it over to his teammates, whatever league he's going to play [in]. ... I think if I can plant the seed in one guy, that's going to go a long way in the organization, because they're going to see how we are building.

"We're trying to build a culture where it's preparation over everything. Because if you prepare, you're going to succeed. It doesn't matter how many struggles you have throughout your career or throughout your season. If you're prepared, you're going to be able to come out on top."

Mesa, whose hitting coach Ricardo Sosa owns the facility, was an easy choice. Rojas calls Miami's No. 28 prospect "special" because he possesses a tangible drive to get better and take his game to the next level. It's a characteristic that reminds Rojas of himself. The 19-year-old Mesa was quick to jump at the opportunity to train with Major Leaguers. How could he not?

Over the past couple of years, the player pool has included Cabrera, Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez, Tigers catcher Wilson Ramos, Twins DH Nelson Cruz, Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez and more. MLB clientele is drawn to the site not only by Sosa's personality and expertise but also the ability to focus on training, defense and hitting at the same location. There is turf for running and a weight room to lift. The indoor cages provide chances to take batting practice off machines. Last weekend, the site incorporated live BP. For Mesa and Rojas, it's convenient to be within driving distance of both the complex in Jupiter and Marlins Park. For everyone, it's the complete package before Spring Training starts this month.

The program prepares each individual to perform as a top athlete -- not just as a baseball player. Circuits range from mobility to strength. Each ballplayer then has his specific offseason objectives to focus on.

Four times a week, Rojas leaves the house at 8 a.m. and arrives a half-hour later. He does stations for lifting and running before cagework with Sosa. One of his goals this winter has been improving side-to-side reaction time as a shortstop. Mesa, who is developing strength and athleticism, feels stronger and has gained confidence in turn. Since he didn't receive an invitation to big league camp, Mesa can build up for another month prior to reporting to Minor League camp.

Before Rojas departs at 11 a.m. to see a physical trainer for help on his shoulder and hip, he hits with Mesa. Hitting with the same partner is a strategy Rojas follows during the season. This way, Mesa can see Rojas' good and bad days, and each guy can serve as the other's coach. It's beneficial to Mesa, who made his professional debut in 2019 before losing a year of Minor League development because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rojas communicates progress with the organization, though VP of player development and scouting Gary Denbo and director of baseball operations Adrian Lorenzo have stopped by the facility.

But the tutelage goes beyond baseball. Rojas and Mesa have gone out to dinner and Top Golf. Mesa invited Rojas to Universal Studios Orlando, but the father of two has a newborn at home and is missing out on sleep.

"It's more than a partner, it's like my friend," Mesa said. "Since I talk with him, I think he's a great guy, a great player. He's a great man in everything overall. He knows that's what I need. I got my talent and I know how to play. What I need to get better is mentally, and he talks to me every day. We are more than a partner, we've got a friendship. And I really, really appreciate him, like I got almost a big, big brother. I've got a big brother, but like the big, big brother."

So how does Tigers veteran and two-time American League MVP Cabrera fit into this dynamic? When Major Leaguers like Cruz and Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw visited Cuba in December 2015 as part of a goodwill tour, the young ballplayers gravitated to Cuban-born Yasiel Puig. Mesa had his eyes set on Cabrera, who was his favorite player. The teenager approached the future Hall of Famer, saying he was a fan and asking if he could do the clinic with him. Cabrera said yes. When Mesa later posted a photo of the pair on Instagram, Cabrera left a comment after seeing the teenager hit.

"Keep working hard, Victor, you have a tremendous swing. God bless you and I hope to see you in the big leagues."

Mesa took a screenshot and kept it on his phone. Two weeks ago, Mesa showed Cabrera the photo.

"I think he really saw my talent and he saw my swing," Mesa said. "I don't know what he saw at that time, but I think he thinks that I've got talent, and he wasn't wrong at the time."

Miggy has always been an idol to Rojas, who remembers when the highly touted 16-year-old signed with the Marlins for $1.8 million on July 2, 1999. Cabrera's quick ascent to superstardom by the age of 20 showed young Venezuelan ballplayers how big they could dream. Two years after Cabrera played a pivotal role on the Marlins' second World Series team, Rojas signed with the Reds as an amateur free agent.

For parts of the past three years, Rojas has been working out with Cabrera. He can now call his idol a friend. This kinship is very much like the one between Rojas and Mesa.

"I've been learning a lot, and it's not just about hitting, it's about how he continues to try to get better every single day," Rojas said. "He's amazing. This guy's a Triple Crown [winner], multiple times MVP, batting titles and stuff, but this guy continued to show up every single day trying to get better. Whatever he needs to do to stay healthy and to show everybody that he's not done yet.

"And that's one of the things that motivates me. I'm getting older, too. I'm going to be 32 [this month], but I want to keep showing that I can play shortstop. So, for me, that's one of the big reasons that I'm bringing these kids, so they can be with a big group, like we're having a big group right now. I'm pretty happy that Victor and [Marlins prospect] Ian Lewis are having the opportunity to share that experience."

At Team Sosa Baseball, it feels like a big party every day. It's the type of atmosphere that breaks up the monotony of working out four months in a row before Spring Training rolls around. And even though the guys don't shy away from taking photos and posting them on social media, everyone is held accountable. Despite being on different teams, they root for each other and try to help each individual "become the player he can be," according to Rojas.

Mesa has taken advantage of that sentiment. Between leaving Cuba and making his professional debut, a year went by before he returned to the diamond. Mesa admitted to playing with so much ganas -- or enthusiasm -- because of how much he missed game action. Mesa sees this entire offseason experience as a chance to thank the Marlins for the chance and to "show I deserve to be here."

"It's amazing that we're working out together and we have the opportunity to actually play with each other and learn from each other," Rojas said. "This is a camaraderie thing that we're doing, Venezuelan and Latin players helping each other, and so it's amazing and it's good."