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Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 65 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Caja Seca is a small village in Venezuela, one that has long been an agricultural producer for the region. Baseball has been just a small part of that history with only two players (Luis Valbuena and Jose Ortega) ever having made it to the Major Leagues. It’s early in his development but Solarte has the type of upside and physical gifts that MLB organizations can dream on. Already 6-foot-5 at 16 years old, he trains with former big leaguer Carlos Guillén at his academy in Maracay, Venezuela, as a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

As with most hitters his size, Solarte will have to learn how to leverage his long limbs into making consistent contact. But when he does, the left-handed hitter has routinely made loud impact, producing exit velocities that have climbed as high as the range of 110 mph. It’s near top-of-the-scale raw power for Solarte, who has a unique setup in that he keeps his front shoulder closed off before ripping his bat through the zone. It’s all very fundamentally sound offensively at this stage, which when meshed with his ability to recognize pitches and his premium work ethic, has clubs supremely excited about what his profile could look like down the line.

While Solarte’s in-game performances with the bat have sometimes fluctuated as an amateur, he’s been a steady defender who shows advanced actions. Oneil Cruz (6-foot-7) became the tallest player to man shortstop in the big leagues back in 2022, but there is belief that Solarte could stick at the spot and he’ll get reps there as his pro career begins. An impressive all-around athlete, he can also impact the run game at this stage, even if he figures to slow down a touch as he fills out his frame.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

Already 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds at 16, Solarte is a rare physical specimen and one of the best athletes his age. Ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect in the 2026 international class, he signed with the Marlins for $1 million and will head to the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League to begin his pro career.

The Venezuela native immediately stands out for his physical strength with near-top-of-the-line exit velocities from the left side of the plate. The question as he matures, of course, is how much he'll be able to tap into it. Solarte is quite coordinated for his size, although his longer limbs will challenge his ability to make consistent contact. Still, he has plenty of bat speed from his closed-off stance and displays strong pitch recognition.

Solarte is currently an above-average runner but figures to slow down as he adds weight. He uses his athleticism well on defense with clean actions and a strong arm. There are few big league shortstops his size, but he'll be given every chance to stick there, even if the Marlins may give him playing time at second and third, as they do with most infield prospects. He will have as much upside as anyone in the Marlins' system if he can tap into his tremendous tools.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	02/24/2026	SS Santiago Solarte assigned to DSL Marlins.
	01/15/2026	Miami Marlins signed free agent SS Santiago Solarte to a minor league contract.