Joshua Wayne Simpson Bio
Joshua Wayne Simpson (born August 19, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). A right-handed reliever, Simpson made his Major League Baseball debut in 2025 after working his way up through the Marlins’ minor league system. He was originally selected in the 32nd round of the 2019 MLB draft by the Miami Marlins. He is regarded as a hard-working late-round find whose progression through the organization has shown steady development.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Wayne Simpson was born on August 19, 1997, and grew up in Connecticut. He attended Stafford High School in Stafford, Connecticut, where he played baseball and developed into a pitching prospect. His high school career laid the groundwork for his transition to college-level competition.
Following high school, Simpson continued his baseball career at Columbia University, competing in the Ivy League. Playing college baseball at an academically rigorous program required Simpson to balance demanding coursework with a competitive athletic schedule. His time at Columbia helped him refine his pitching mechanics and prepare for the demands of professional baseball.
Path to Baseball
Simpson’s draft experience in 2019 marked his official entry into professional baseball. Selected by the Miami Marlins in the 32nd round with the 951st overall pick, he joined a franchise known for developing pitching talent. Being a late-round selection meant Simpson faced longer odds, but his signing demonstrated the Marlins’ confidence in his potential.
His professional path included multiple stops across the Marlins’ minor league affiliates. Simpson pitched for the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Marlins and the Batavia Muckdogs in his first professional season, adjusting to the rigors of pro ball. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his progress in 2020, when the minor league season was canceled, requiring him to stay ready without official competition.
Joshua Wayne Simpson Career
Early Career (2019-2021)
After his debut season with the Gulf Coast League Marlins and Batavia Muckdogs in 2019, Simpson missed the entire 2020 season due to the cancellation of the minor league schedule caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lost year required patience as he worked to maintain his development off the field.
Simpson returned in 2021 and pitched for the Florida Complex League Marlins and the Beloit Snappers. Following the regular season, he joined the Arizona Fall League, where many of baseball’s top prospects gather to gain additional experience. The Fall League assignment reflected the Marlins’ growing belief in his trajectory.
Minor League Progression (2022-2023)
Simpson started the 2022 season with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Marlins’ Double-A affiliate. His performance there was strong enough that the Marlins added him to their 40-man roster on November 15, 2022, protecting him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft. The move signaled that the organization viewed him as a legitimate future contributor.
To begin 2023, Simpson was optioned to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Across 23 appearances for Jacksonville, he recorded a 4.50 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 32 innings of work, showing swing-and-miss ability out of the bullpen. On September 12, 2023, Simpson received his first major league promotion. He did not appear in a game before being optioned back to Jacksonville on September 17, becoming a phantom ballplayer.
Injury and Return (2024)
Simpson began the 2024 season on the injured list with left elbow neuritis. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 20. On April 23, it was announced that Simpson would miss approximately three months after undergoing surgery for ulnar nerve neuritis. The procedure forced him to spend most of the summer rehabbing.
He was activated from the injured list on September 3, 2024. On November 4, 2024, Simpson was removed from the Marlins’ 40-man roster and sent outright to Jacksonville. Despite the injury setback, he remained in the organization.
Miami Marlins Era (2025-Present)
Simpson opened the 2025 season with Jacksonville, where he made 27 appearances and posted a 3-0 record with a 3.41 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and three saves across 31 2/3 innings pitched. His performance earned him another opportunity at the major league level.
On June 21, 2025, Simpson was selected to the Marlins’ 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the second time. On June 26, 2025, Simpson recorded his first career win after tossing a scoreless 1/3 of an inning against the San Francisco Giants. The milestone cemented his arrival as a major league reliever.
Driving Style and Strengths
Simpson works as a relief pitcher and has demonstrated swing-and-miss ability, posting high strikeout totals relative to his innings pitched in the minors. His background as a late-round draft pick has shaped a grinder mentality focused on consistency and reliability out of the bullpen.
Notable Events and Milestones
His most significant milestone came on June 26, 2025, when he earned his first career MLB win against the San Francisco Giants. He was also previously added to the Marlins’ 40-man roster in November 2022 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
Joshua Wayne Simpson Career Wins
Joshua Wayne Simpson’s professional career is still in its early stages at the major league level. His first MLB win came on June 26, 2025, against the San Francisco Giants. He has recorded multiple minor league wins across various affiliates, including a 3-0 record with Jacksonville in 2025.
Minor League Highlights
Simpson has pitched for the Gulf Coast League Marlins, Batavia Muckdogs, Florida Complex League Marlins, Beloit Snappers, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. His 2025 Jacksonville performance produced a 3.41 ERA with three saves. He also participated in the Arizona Fall League following the 2021 season.
Joshua Wayne Simpson Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Public information about Joshua Wayne Simpson’s immediate family and any baseball lineage within his household is limited. He grew up in Connecticut before attending Stafford High School.
Personal Life
Details regarding Simpson’s spouse, children, and personal relationships are not publicly documented in verified sources. His focus remains on his professional career with the Miami Marlins organization.
2025 Season Performance
Joshua Wayne Simpson’s 2025 season has represented the realization of years of minor league development. He opened the year with Jacksonville, where he went 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA and three saves across 27 appearances and 31 2/3 innings, striking out 25 batters. The results convinced the Marlins to bring him back to the major leagues.
On June 21, 2025, Simpson was promoted to Miami for the second time in his career. Five days later, on June 26, he notched his first career MLB win against the San Francisco Giants. The outing marked a turning point in his transition from prospect to established reliever.
Looking ahead, Simpson’s role as a late-inning relief option for the Marlins appears secure following his strong 2025 results. His combination of high strikeout rates and improved command could make him a regular contributor out of the Miami bullpen in the seasons to come.