The Marlins already have an impressive group of pitching prospects, but they chose to add to it in the 2020 draft as they used every selection they had on pitching. Time will tell if the strategy works, but the top two arms they added could both prove to be difference makers in time. Let’s take a look:
- Sixto Sanchez – RHP (Grade – B+)
- Edward Cabrera – RHP (Grade – B+)
- JJ Bleday – OF (Grade – B)
- Jesus Sanchez – OF (Grade – B)
- Max Meyer – RHP (Grade – B)
- Sterling Sharp – RHP (Grade – B)
- Jazz Chisholm – SS (Grade – B-)
- Dax Fulton – LHP (Grade – B-/C+)
- Monte Harrison – OF (Grade – C+)
- Connor Scott – OF (Grade – C+)
Why Does Meyer Rank #5?
There are two key questions facing Meyer, the third overall pick in the 2020 draft:
- Currently listed at 6’0” and 185 lbs, will he be able to hold up to a starters workload?
- Will his repertoire play, currently with only two quality pitches?
The second one isn’t quite as big of a concern, as MLB.com gave the following scouting report regarding his repertoire:
Meyer owns the best slider in the 2020 Draft, a wipeout 87-91 mph offering with which he can add and subtract depth. His four-seam fastball is a weapon as well, parking at 93-97 mph this spring, hitting 98 in the ninth inning of one start and maxing out at 100. His fading changeup showed flashes of becoming a solid pitch as he used it more often as a junior.
He started his college career as a reliever and that could be where his future is. Time will tell, but for now that risk can’t go overlooked.
Why Does Fulton Rank #8?
Fulton offers significant upside in the second round (#61 overall). He’s big, at 6’6″ and 225 lbs., so most project him to gain velocity on his fastball as he matures. That will go with a potentially plus curveball (according to Baseball America, “At the Area Code Games, Fulton posted spin rates in the 2,600 rpm range and the pitch looked like a future plus offering”. On the surface that looks good, but there are two key questions:
- How will he recover from Tommy John surgery?
- Will he be able to develop his changeup into at least an average offering?
Once he starts answering those questions, especially the first, Fulton will likely vault up these rankings. He easily has more upside than #6 Sterling Shepard.
To view our entire preseason Top 10, including our reports on each prospect, click here.
Sources – MLB.com, Baseball America
Make sure to check out all of our 2020 prospect rankings:
| Position | Last Updated |
|---|---|
| Catcher | 04/13/20 |
| First Baseman | -- |
| Second Baseman | 04/15/20 |
| Shortstop | 04/17/20 |
| Third Baseman | 04/20/20 |
| Outfield | 04/24/20 |
| Pitcher | -- |
