2021 Marlins Rookies – Early Season Review (15 Games)

April 19, 2021 Stoffer Cochran General, Marlins, MiLB, MLB, NL East 0

Trevor Rogers, Jupiter Hammerheads, Florida State League, June 9, 2019 - photo credit Bryan Green on Flickr
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Welcome to the 2021 season Marlin and prospect fans. I am excited to have baseball back in full swing and with that comes rookie speculation. First, let us review how the first 15 games went for the Marlins. The first three games are ones we would like to forget as they only won one game against the Rays. The schedule went from bad to worse as the Cardinals came to town and they took all three. Traveling to New York only resulted in a split 1-1. The loss is one we will not speak of but he guided his elbow to that ball! Unfortunately, one of the games in New York will need to be made up on August 31st due to inclement weather.

Saying things were looking rough to begin the season would be an understatement. Fortunately, the mighty Marlins were able to right the ship against the 3-time defending NL East champions. The Marlins were able to take 2 out of 3 from the Braves but were a half-inning of completing the 4 game sweep with the bats showing much-needed signs of life. The bats went cold at the end of the Giants series but another series win for the good guys. Enough of the recap, let’s talk prospects!


Looking at my Miami Marlins 2021 Top 50 Prospects list, we’ve had six prospects make a 2021 debut.
Looking back at Marlin history, they have produced 4 NL Rookie of the Year winners. Two pitchers, Dontrelle Willis (2003) and Jose Fernandez (2013) and two bats, shortstop Hanley Ramirez (2006) and outfielder Chris Coghlan (2009). Could another be knocking on the door? Let’s review the six in reverse ranking order.

#37 Jordan Holloway, RHP – Called up when Elieser Hernandez went on the IL with right biceps inflammation. Holloway came on in relief for one game so far this season and the results were positive. He pitched two innings, recording 3 strikeouts, allowing no hits or walks. Holloway was optioned to the alternate training site following his 2021 debut. Depending on the size of your MiLB prospect pool and the number of teams in your fantasy league, I would take a chance and add him.

#33 Paul Campbell, RHP – Making the team out of Spring Training was the only way to keep him on the roster as he was a Rule 5 selection. The results have been less than desirable but predictable for a player only logging 85 innings in AA. Campbell has 2 appearances for a total of 2.2 innings allowing 4 hits and 3 earned runs. Would not add him in fantasy at the moment.

#31 Zach Pop, RHP – Traded from the Diamondbacks is another Rule 5 selection that made the team. His results have also been less than desirable, but also predictable for a player only logging 32 innings at AA. Pop has appeared in 5 games logging 4.1 innings giving up 3 hits and 7 earned runs. His last appearance on April 17th was promising as he pitched an inning and retired all three batters via the strikeout! Would not add in fantasy at the moment.

#18 Nick Neidert, RHP – Neidert did not win a rotation spot during Spring Training but was recalled on April 5th. Neidert has stepped up and started 2 games for the Marlins after Hernandez went to the IL and the results have been serviceable. He has allowed 9 walks with 6 K’s in 9 innings but what the stats don’t tell you to is that he has kept the Marlins in the games for each of his two starts. He still could use some refinement in the minor league ranks. Depending on the size of your MiLB prospect pool and the number of teams, I would take a chance and add.

#8 Trevor Rogers, LHP – Rogers has been impressive so far this season. 3 starts (15 IP) he carries a 1-1 record with 23 strikeouts. His ERA is 2.40 and his WHIP is sitting at 1.13! Rogers is in the 84th percentile in fastball velocity, 87th percentile in K% and 93rd percentile in Whiff%. He has room to improve as he has allowed 9 walks getting him into some trouble. Rogers can throw himself into the Rookie of the Year discussion if he can continue being effective on the mound. If he is available in your league he should be scooped up immediately.

#2 Jazz Chisholm, 2B – What a start to the 2021 season for the rookie from the Bahamas. His start to the season has him in the 85th percentile or higher in HardHit%, Max Exit Velocity, Sprint Speed, BB% (18.8), xwOBA (.473), and xSLG (.737). He is tied with Byron Buxton for the best Barrel% in all of Major League Baseball. For those unaware, Barrel% is a batted ball with the perfect combination of exit velocity and launch angle. This season Chisholm’s average exit velocity is 92.6 and his launch angle is 18! Jazz has 12 hits on the season and 7 of those went for extra bases and he still has managed to steal 3 bases without getting caught. I identified Jazz as a player with high expectations of making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for several years (Tier 1) and he is proving it to everyone right now. He will need to continue to adjust and perform but we could be looking at the next NL Rookie of the Year winner. If he is available in your league he should be scooped up yesterday!

Stoffer Cochran

Stoffer is an avid baseball fan who grew up in the heart of Braves country, but felt he never really fit in until the Marlins came along and then it was game over. He has been playing in deep dynasty keeper leagues for 20+ years and only plays in leagues where there is a prospect component. He currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida, which is the perfect place for him because it's home to the Jumbo Shrimp, the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate.

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