Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40

High school pitching can be one of the riskiest demographics in the Draft, but occasionally a late-round flier can emerge as a true gem. That appears to be the case with Payne, whom the Marlins signed away from his George Mason commitment for $235,000 as a 2024 18th-rounder and now looks like a bargain. The southpaw cruised through the Rookie-level Florida Complex League by striking out more than a third of the batters he faced and ended the year with six solid Single-A outings.

Payne can really spin a pair of breaking balls and leaned on his low-80s slider and high-70s curve to rack up whiffs and chases. Both pitches have significant downward movement from his higher three-quarters delivery, which has helped mitigate platoon concerns. His fastball is still a work in progress, though, with a 91 mph average and sinking shape in 2025. He was more consistently hitting 95 over the offseason and has the build to add more velocity.

Payne has a little-used cutter and a changeup with splitter-like movement that have had modest success in the mid-80s, but the breaking balls remain his meal ticket. The Marlins tried to ramp up his stuff at the cost of his control early on, and it will be key to see him throw more strikes to avoid bloated walk rates. Still, Payne has No. 4 starter upside thanks to his workhorse size, repeatable delivery and breaking balls -- or perhaps more if his added velocity sticks.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40

Payne drew some scouting interest as a Pennsylvania high schooler in 2024 but lacked power to his stuff and appeared headed to college at George Mason. After the Marlins were able to sign him for $235,000 as an 18th-rounder, he dazzled with his breaking balls in his pro debut this summer. He led the Rookie-level Florida Complex League with 55 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings and earned a promotion to Single-A in August.

Payne's best pitch is an upper-70s curveball with quality depth, and he also spins a solid low-80s slider with similar shape. Both offerings overmatched FCL hitters, though he'll need to upgrade a fastball that has ordinary velocity (sitting at 90-93 mph, peaking at 95) and more sink than carry. He's in the early stages of developing a low-80s kick changeup that dives at the plate when it's on.

Working from a three-quarters arm slot, Payne uses his 6-foot-3 build to create extension. He has projection remaining in his frame, so he should add more velocity to his arsenal. His control and command are works in progress, but he has the upside of a No. 4 starter, and his ability to spin the ball gives him a backup plan as a lefty reliever.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	04/28/2026	LHP Nate Payne assigned to Beloit Sky Carp from Jupiter Hammerheads.
	03/05/2026	LHP Nate Payne assigned to Miami Marlins Prospects.
	08/02/2025	LHP Nate Payne assigned to Jupiter Hammerheads from FCL Marlins.
	08/02/2025	Jupiter Hammerheads activated LHP Nate Payne.
	04/30/2025	LHP Nate Payne assigned to FCL Marlins.
	07/22/2024	Miami Marlins signed LHP Nate Payne.
	07/07/2024	College Workout activated LHP Nate Payne.