The Miami Marlins have released catcher Bennett Hostetler, ending a five-plus-year minor-league tenure that began with his selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, via the MiLB transaction log.
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp—the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate—released the 29-year-old backstop.
Hostetler, a Bozeman, Montana, native, joined the organization after being taken in the 18th round (539th overall) out of North Dakota State University and signing for a reported $60,000 bonus.
Originally an infielder, he was converted to catcher early in his professional career and spent the bulk of his time behind the plate while also seeing occasional action elsewhere on the diamond.
Hostetler’s 2026 season at Jacksonville was limited in volume but notable for its power. In roughly 56–73 at-bats (depending on the source), he hit .274–.286 with seven or eight home runs, producing an OPS north of 1.000.
That late-season pop marked a rebound after a difficult 2025 campaign in which he batted .179 in 95 at-bats at Triple-A while dealing with injuries and limited playing time.
Over his full minor-league career, spanning 343 games and 1,174 at-bats, Hostetler posted a .242/.324/.398 slash line with 38 home runs and 179 RBIs. He earned MiLB.com Organization All-Star recognition in his debut professional season in 2021.
Hostetler progressed steadily through the Marlins’ system, reaching Double-A Pensacola and then Triple-A Jacksonville.
He received multiple non-roster invitations to major-league spring training, including in 2026, where he appeared in exhibition games.
Despite never breaking into the big leagues, he established himself as a durable organizational catcher who provided depth and occasional offensive contributions, particularly when healthy and given regular at-bats.
The release comes as the Marlins continue refining their minor-league rosters following the conclusion of the 2026 International League season.
Hostetler’s departure opens a spot in a catching group that has seen roster churn at the upper levels.
At 29, the right-handed-hitting Hostetler will now explore free-agency options, where his experience at Triple-A, positional versatility, and demonstrated power could attract interest from other organizations looking for depth behind the plate.
For a late-round draft pick who transitioned positions and logged more than five years in one system, Hostetler’s career reflects the long, uncertain path typical of many minor-league players who contribute steadily without reaching the majors.
His release closes one chapter while leaving open the possibility of continued professional opportunities elsewhere.
