Garrett Acton
| Garrett Acton | |
|---|---|
| Miami Marlins – No. 40 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: June 15, 1998 Naperville, Illinois, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 14, 2023, for the Oakland Athletics | |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 0–0 |
| Earned run average | 10.80 |
| Strikeouts | 5 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Garrett Patrick Acton (born June 15, 1998) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays.
Amateur career
Acton attended Lemont High School in Lemont, Illinois.[1] He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 35th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and played college baseball for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He finished his career at Illinois with a school record 25 career saves.[2]
Professional career
Oakland Athletics
Acton signed with the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 Major League Baseball draft, which was shortened because of COVID-19.[3][4] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
He made his professional debut in 2021 with the Single-A Stockton Ports, before later being promoted to the High-A Lansing Lugnuts. In 34 total games, Acton pitched to a 3.69 ERA with 87 strikeouts and 2 saves in 53.2 innings of work.[6]
Acton was assigned to the Double-A Midland RockHounds to begin the 2022 season, before later being promoted the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. In 51 combined appearances, Acton registered a cumulative 3–9 record and 5.01 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 9 saves in 70.0 innings pitched.[7]
Acton began the 2023 season back with Triple-A Las Vegas, where he worked to a 5–1 record and 4.01 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 24.2 innings of work. On May 14, 2023, he was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[8] In 6 games for Oakland, he struggled to a 12.71 ERA with 5 strikeouts in 5+2⁄3 innings pitched. He was optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas on May 29.[9] On July 19, Acton was released by the Athletics.[10]
Tampa Bay Rays
On December 18, 2023, Acton signed a two–year minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization.[11] He did not make an appearance for the organization during the 2024 season as he rehabilitated from Tommy John surgery.
Acton made 43 appearances (three starts) for the Triple-A Durham Bulls to begin the 2025 season, compiling a 5-1 record and 3.64 ERA with 67 strikeouts and three saves across 54+1⁄3 innings pitched. On September 13, 2025, the Rays selected Acton's contract, adding him to their active roster.[12] He made one scoreless appearance for the team, walking two over one inning pitched. Acton was designated for assignment by the Rays on November 3.[13]
Miami Marlins
On November 6, 2025, Acton was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies.[14] On January 22, 2026, Acton was designated for assignment by the Rockies.[15] On February 3, Acton was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.[16]
Personal life
Acton is the son of Janette and James Gordon Acton. His father played football at Purdue University, Triton College and Eastern Illinois University. His father was also a golf professional and head professional at several golf courses in the Chicago area. Acton has a younger sister named Isabel.[17]
References
- ^ "Disabato: Lemont's Garrett Acton gains emotional boost from dad's memory". Chicago Tribune. June 11, 2016.
- ^ "Acton breaks saves record in 5-2 win over Indiana State". May 2019.
- ^ "Acton taking next step in baseball career". July 2020.
- ^ "Disabato: Go back to Illinois or sign with the Oakland A's? Lemont's Garrett Acton had a big decision to make. He knew who to ask ... His mom". Chicago Tribune. July 7, 2020.
- ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
- ^ "Garrett Acton Stats & Scouting Report". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
- ^ "Garrett Acton could become key piece in Oakland A's bullpen". whitecleatbeat.com. December 16, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
- ^ "Athletics' Garrett Acton: Contract selected by Oakland". cbssports.com. May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
- ^ "May 29, 2023 Transactions". MLB.com. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
- ^ "A's Claim Right-Hander From Boston, Release Garett Acton". si.com. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "Rays' Garrett Acton: Gets deal from Rays". cbssports.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ^ "Rays Select Garrett Acton". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
- ^ McDonald, Darragh; Deeds, Nick (November 3, 2025). "Rays Designate Six Players For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 1, 2026.
- ^ Adams, Steve; McDonald, Darragh (November 6, 2025). "Thairo Estrada Elects Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ "Rockies Designate Garrett Acton For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ "Marlins Claim Garrett Acton, Designate Victor Mesa Jr. For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ "Garrett Acton - 2020 - Baseball". University of Illinois Athletics. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
External links
- Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
- Illinois bio