Zach McCambley is not taking anything for granted while impressing out of the Jumbo Shrimp bullpen
During the 2025 campaign, the Miami Marlins have been a pleasant surprise. With the All-Star Game less than a week away, they are only eight games under .500, thanks to their talented core. More help is waiting in the minors in the form of reliever Zach McCambley.
The Marlins selected McCambley in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Following a three-year run with Coastal Carolina, Miami made adding the New Jersey native to their farm system a priority. Although the draft process was unusual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McCambley is pleased with the outcome.
"Honestly, the draft process was pretty crazy," McCambley said. "It was during COVID, so we weren't able to have much face-to-face contact. It was a lot of FaceTime interviews. I remember doing my interview with the Marlins, and I thought it didn't go that well. I answered all their questions, but I was being grilled almost. Ultimately, the Marlins ended up taking me, and it turned out to be a good thing. I'm happy with what happened."
Since joining the Marlin organization, the talented 26-year-old has steadily moved through the system. As McCambley has moved closer to the majors, he has made adjustments that have led to his success.
“ I got sent right to High-A in 2021, so I didn’t get the full experience of Low-A,” said McCambley. “As you go up levels, the competition gets better, and it teaches you something every time. What I’ve noticed from Double-A to Triple-A is the difference in approaches guys have when they come up to bat. I think the biggest difference is the takes that guys have. The overall level of competition is greater, and it’s good to be challenged.”
Following an impressive start to the season in Double-A, McCambley was promoted to Triple-A on May 20th. In his first stint with the Jumbo Shrimp, the former third-round has been a reliable arm. Through 16 games, he has posted a 4.24 ERA and struck out 21 batters. The Marlins prospect has also been able to pick the brains of his teammates, such as Matt Mervis, who have already been in the majors.
“ I think it’s awesome to be around guys have been in the majors,” McCambley said." Knowing that all these guys have gone through similar things mentally. They know what it takes and how hard the game is. It’s cool to feed off those guys and know that as soon as you come into the game you did everything to prepare for that game.
Although McCambley is still waiting for his first promotion, he has made a good case this year. In 27 games between two levels, he has posted a 3.05 ERA and held opponents to a .210 batting average. He also showed excellent control, allowing one home run while striking out 52 batters in 38.1 innings. If he can continue to build on his success, then a promotion could be on the horizon.
Regardless of the level, McCambley has kept the same mentally. That is partly why he is on the doorstep of his dreams in an organization that is on the rise.
“ Now that i’m in Triple-A I just appreciate being healthy and at the park,” McCambley said. “ I don’t care where I am I Just want to give myself the chance to go out there and perform.”
Written for Beyond The Monster: https://beyondthemonster.substack.com/p/zach-mccambley-is-not-taking-anything