Miami Marlins 2019 Top 50 Prospects

January 4, 2019 Stoffer Cochran General, Marlins, MiLB, NL East, Top 50 Lists 7

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Miami Marlins Top 50 Prospects for 2019

The 2018 baseball season went pretty much as expected after the fire sale of the outfield last offseason. While I expected bad, did anyone see finishing 26.5 games out of first place? At least it was not the worst finish in franchise history because back in 1998 the Marlins finished 52 games out! A couple other lowlights for the 2018 season were the fewest amount of stolen bases in franchise history and zero, zilch, nada series sweeps for the whole year!

However, 2018 did provide some positives in my eyes. The Marlins deployed 20+ rookie-eligible players last year which should help in their overall development. Brian Anderson can handle 3B or RF depending on what is required, and he can hit major league pitching. The former 3rd round pick, Anderson hit .273 with a .357 OBP and .400 SLG in 590 AB. He had 11 home runs, 4 triples, and 34 doubles! Overall, Anderson had a better first half (.288/.363/.429) than he did his second half (.245/.346/.349), but he also amassed 100+ more AB than in any of his previous seasons. I’d like for him to take another step in 2019. Lewis Brinson, acquired in the Yelich trade, sure knows how to swing and miss, striking out 120 times in 382 at-bats (31%). Brinson did spend some time injured last year but did show some improvement in the second half of 2018. Overall, Brinson hit .199/.240/.338 but in the second half he slashed .239/.263/.337 and only struck out 26 times in 92 AB (28%).

October was successful for the Marlins organization not for anything that happened on the field but what happened with something just past the outfield wall. “Homer,” the monstrosity, err… statue that comes to life with every home run, is being moved from inside the stadium to the outside of the stadium. Taking its place will be a new standing area which will accommodate more fans once the prospects below come up to establish dominance in the league. November was a success for the Marlins organization, not for anything on the field but another off-field ambition. The new team colors are Miami Blue, Caliente Red, Slate Gray, and Midnight Black. The message from the team is that these colors represent the culture of Miami and the inspiration came from the vibrant streets and the metropolitan landscape of South Florida. I am a fan of the redesigned colors, logo and uniforms and it is even more proof that they are rebuilding everything to try to shake off anything Loria!

Without further ado here is my 2019 Top 50 prospects for the Miami Marlins. I am looking forward to your comments. Hit me up on Twitter (@stoffer81). I welcome any feedback and suggestions and my take is more from a fantasy baseball perspective.

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for several years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster

 

Tier 1:

I feel that we are closer than in the past.


Tier 2:
1. Monte Harrison, OF
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: He has all the tools to make an impact at the biggest level (42 XBH and 28 SB) and he can contribute more to the fantasy than recently signed VVM, but he has this one fatal flaw. Swing and miss! If he can get his strikeout percentage down from 41% we will have a 5-tool player roaming the outfield in Miami.

2. Victor Victor Mesa, OF
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: International
Stoffer’s tidbits: A mega sign this offseason and a move that the Marlins needed to make, not necessarily for his baseball instincts but for what he can do for the community. VVM has a more contact-oriented swing which scouts think will lean towards below average power. His calling card is his defense and if he can show the ability to get on base, he will get the call.

3. Nick Neidert, RHP
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: I am higher on Neidert than a lot of other rankings, but what’s not to like here? Every season since he was drafted every countable stat has improved. In 2018 he pitched 152.2 innings, striking out 154 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. I am buying in all my leagues.

4. Sandy Alcantara, RHP
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: MLB
Stoffer’s tidbits: Alcantara started 6 games at the big league level in 2018 but the results were not as favorable as he would have liked. His K rate was sub 7 in 34 IP, but his ERA was respectable at 3.44 and he held opposing batters to a .214 AVG. I can see improvement in his overall stats and look for him to open 2019 in the big league rotation.

5. Tommy Eveld, RHP
Age: 25
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: I know this seems high for a relief pitcher but he has dominant stuff and I think by the end of the 2019 season (if not sooner) he will be the closer in Miami. Last year he appeared in 45 games and converted 16 of 18 saves. Opposing batters hit only a .198 and he had a K/9 rate of 10.96.

6. Jordan Yamamoto, RHP
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: One of the under looked prospects returned from the Yelich trade made an impact last year reaching AA. He held opposing batters to a .177 AVG, his K/9 rate was 11.22 in 68.2 innings and he had a 0.83 WHIP and a 1.83 ERA. At 22-years-old he is still young, and with another dominating performance in AA look for his name to get the call by September if not sooner.

7. Isan Diaz, 2B
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: AAA

Stoffer’s tidbits: Diaz had 41 XBH with a .340 OBP in 2018. His strikeout rate is 32% which is on par with today’s numbers. He should start 2019 in the minors but as soon as an injury or trade opens a spot for regular playing time he will get the call.


Tier 3:
8. Connor Scott, OF
Age: 19
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: Miami’s first round pick in 2018, Scott has impressed in his short time. He has all the tools to become an impact player. Although his first taste of professional ball did not yield superstar results, he did hold his own. At 19 he is at least 3 years away, but he could push that timeline with his performance.

9. Brian Miller, OF
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: I am high on Miller. His K rate was insanely low at 12.74% and he had a .295 AVG. He profiles as a typical leadoff guy if he could nudge his OBP a little higher than .338, but I will take his 40 steals and 21 doubles all day long. Just an FYI – power is not his game.

10. Tristan Pompey, OF
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: The 2018 third round pick impressed in his debut. .408 OBP and .299 AVG were impressive but it would be nice to see if he can improve on his 12 XBH in 184 at bats. I think that his power will develop but he will continue to climb in national rankings if he can improve upon his 25.54% K rate.

11. Braxton Garrett, LHP
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: Finally able to hit the mound after his injury, he started 4 games pitching a total of 15.1 innings with 16 strikeouts, 1.24 WHIP and 2.95 ERA. A long road awaits as he has not pitched in 2 years but we’re looking for about 90 innings this year.

12. Jorge Guzman, RHP
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: 2018 was a mixed bag for Guzman but the positives to me were a 9.47 K/9 rate and he held opposing hitters to a .239 average. He struggled with his WHIP (1.54) but that can be managed by decreasing his walks. I think the ceiling for Guzman is higher than many think and he could end up being the best return (minus the payroll savings) from the Stanton trade unless Devers (see below) starts making some more noise.

13. Edward Cabrera, RHP
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: Tripled his innings from the previous season, setting a career high of 100.1 IP with a K/9 of 8.36.

14. Austin Dean, OF
Age: 25
2018 Highest Level: MLB
Stoffer’s tidbits: Started the 2018 in the minors and in 397 at bats he hit .345 with .410 OBP, 14% K rate and launched 37 XBH. When he got the call he had 113 at bats with a .221 average, .279 OBP and 8 XBH. The encouraging sign is that his K rate was still under 20%. I look for him to open the year in Miami’s left field and he will have to play well to fight off other prospects looking for playing time.

15. Robert Dugger, RHP
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: Solid. 2018 K/9 was 8.5 in 150.2 innings with a 1.21 WHIP. I am looking for him to start the year back in AA and progress quickly.

16. Victor Mesa, Jr., OF
Age: 17
2018 Highest Level: International
Stoffer’s tidbits: Scouts project like his brother that he will have a more contact-oriented swing with only his above average arm as a plus tool. He is only 17 so still has time to mature physically and utilizing the Marlins training staff can only benefit.

17. Zac Gallen, RHP
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AAA
Stoffer’s tidbits: He saw his WHIP balloon to 1.47; his previous high was 1.17. He did start 25 games and he had a K/9 of 9.2 in 133.1 innings. If he can manage his walks better he will get the opportunity to show what he has this year.


Tier 4:
18. Will Banfield, C
Age: 19
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: Catchers take a long time to develop but I think he may be able to expedite his arrival but needs to improve his 33% K rate.

19. Trevor Rogers, LHP
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: Making his pro debut last year gave us some hope for the future, highlighted by his 10.9 K/9 in 72.2 innings pitched. Needs to make improvement in ERA and WHIP but encourging nonetheless.

20. Jose Devers, SS/3B
Age: 19
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: Mixed season for Devers in 2018 but some highlights are 14% K rate, 13 stolen bases and a .272 batting average. Improvements will need to be made in OBP and XBH.

21. Joe Dunand, 3B
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: He had 36 XBH in 460 at bats with a 27% K rate. Looking for him to repeat in Jacksonville to improve his average and OBP.

22. Jordan Holloway, RHP
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: A-
Stoffer’s tidbits: In a very brief sample size, this 20th round draft pick (2014) came back from TJS last year and tossed 7.2 IP, with a 0.00 ERA, 0.52 WHIP, 9 K and held opposing hitters to .138 average. Still only 22-years-old, his future is still very bright.

23. Bryson Brigman, SS/2B
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: The prize of the Maybin trade had an impressive season last year. .310 AVG, .370 OBP, 29 XBH, 21 SB, and only a 16% strikeout rate in 494 AB.

24. Christopher Torres SS/3B
Age: 20
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: In 2018 had a .389 OBP with 5 XBH in 117 at bats. Needs to improve his 31% K rate.

25. Kyle Keller, RHP
Age: 25
2018 Highest Level: AAA
Stoffer’s tidbits: The round 18 pick (2015) had another stellar year with a 13.5 K/9, converting 9/12 save opportunities, 1.10 WHIP, and held opposing batters to a .195 average. Could compete for closer’s role by end of the season.

26. Osiris Johnson, SS/3B
Age: 18
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: 2018 2nd round pick amassed 188 at bats with 16 XBH and 7 stolen bases. Needs to improve his .276 OBP.

27. James Nelson, 3B
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: 2018 was a rough year for this former 15th round pick but based on his past performance he will have opportunities to repeat and learn from the past season. He still has time to develop and he had 12 XBH in 232 at bats with a 28.5% K rate.

28. Jeff Brigham, RHP
Age: 26
2018 Highest Level: MLB
Stoffer’s tidbits: One of the prospects received in the Latos trade had a great minor league season leading to a call up to the big league club. In the minors he had a 2.36 ERA, 1.09 WHIP in 150.2 IP but in the bigs he had a 6.06 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, in 16.1 IP. He will compete for a spot in ST.

29. Jose Quijada, LHP
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AAA
Stoffer’s tidbits: Another RP that I’m targeting to compete for a closer job by the end of the year. Quijada had a stellar 2018 with a 1.05 WHIP in 63 innings, holding opposing batters to a .171 average and a K/9 of 11.6, converting 7 of 11 save opportunities.

30. Brayan Hernandez, OF
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A-
Stoffer’s tidbits: The 21-year-old had 19 XBH with 10 SB in 219 at bats. Needs to improve his .282 OBP.

31. Riley Ferrell, RHP
Age: 25
2018 Highest Level: AAA
Stoffer’s tidbits: Claimed off waivers from the Astros, Riley had a K/9 of 11.8 in 51.2 IP and was 9 for 9 in save opportunities. Potential closer to start the year?

32. Thomas Jones, OF
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: The 2016 3rd round pick improved his AVG from 2017 but decreased his OBP (.277). In 396 at bats he did come up with 20 stolen bases and 28 XBH.

33. Davis Bradshaw, OF
Age: 20 Highest Level: A-
Stoffer’s tidbits: The round 11 pick for the Marlins in the 2018 draft had a fantastic start to his pro career. In 64 at bats he had a 16.5% k rate, .354 AVG, .418 OBP and 20 SB. With only 9 XBH the hope is that power will develop.


Tier 5:
34. Isael Soto, OF
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: Hoping his injuries are in the rear view mirror. 2018 saw Soto get 339 at bats with 38 XBH.

35. McKenzie Mills, LHP
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: Acquired in the Bour deal, we may be looking back on that trade in a couple years as a steal. Mills is looking to bounce back after a not-so-stellar 2018 (4.23 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 2-8 record between High-A and AA).

36. Colton Hock, RHP
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: A
Stoffer’s tidbits: The 2017 fourth round pick improved his numbers but the jury is still out on if he will be a relief pitcher or starter.

37. Dustin Beggs, RHP
Age: 25
2018 Highest Level: AA
Stoffer’s tidbits: The 2016 sixteenth round pick had a fantastic 2018 with a 2.12 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 in 110.1 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .216 BAA.

38. Nick Anderson, RHP
Age: 28
2018 Highest Level: AAA
Stoffer’s tidbits: Acquired in November in a swap of minor leaguers, Anderson could be a candidate for a high leverage spot in the bullpen out of ST. Last year he had a 1.13 WHIP, 13.2 K/9 in 60 innings and he converted 4 of 6 save opportunities.

39. Milton Smith, OF
Age: 21
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: The 2018 22nd round pick had a fantastic debut. He hit .362, with a .435 OBP, 7 SB, and only 18.97% K rate in 116 AB.

40. Riley Mahan, 2B
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: Mahan had 29 XBH in 424 at bats with a 30% K rate.

41. Luis Palacios, LHP
Age: 18
2018 Highest Level: Rookie
Stoffer’s tidbits: Spectacular 2018 season for Palacios. In 63.2 innings he had 62 strikeouts, 0.85 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and help opposing batters to a .155 average.

42. Parker Bugg, RHP
Age: 24
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: Doubling his innings pitched from 2017, Bugg shined with a 3.07 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 81 strikeouts in 67.1 innings and held opposing batters to a .202 BAA.

43. Leudy Martinez, RHP
Age: 18
2018 Highest Level: Rookie
Stoffer’s tidbits: Last year pitched in 51.2 innings, had 55 strikeouts with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. He was perfect in his only save opportunity and held opposing batters to a .197 average.

44. Alejandro Mateo, RHP
Age: 24
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: 70.2 IP, amassing 72 strikeouts with a 1.19 WHIP.

45. Lazaro Alonso, 1B
Age: 24
2018 Highest Level: A+
Stoffer’s tidbits: In his second year, 309 at bats, smashing 27 XBH with a .362 OBP. K rate of 36.57% is too high.

46. Jorge Caballero, OF
Age: 18
2018 Highest Level: Rookie
Stoffer’s tidbits: He decreased his power production but increased his average and on base percentage. What will year 3 hold for this young high upside prospect?

47. Dylan Lee, LHP
Age: 24
2018 Highest Level: AAA
Stoffer’s tidbits: Another potential closer/high leverage guy here. Last year Lee had 62 IP, tallying 63 strikeouts, 1.60 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, while holding opposing batters to a .174 average. He converted 4 of 7 save opportunities.

48. Alvaro Montero, 2B
Age: 18
2018 Highest Level: Rookie
Stoffer’s tidbits: His 2018 OBP FELL to .430 (was .471 in his 2017 rookie ball debut), but he had a great year despite that. In 215 at bats he hit .312 with 8 XBH and 30 steals.

49. Tyler Kolek, RHP
Age: 23
2018 Highest Level: A-
Stoffer’s tidbits: It’s been a long battle for the 2014 1st round pick. After missing all of 2016 and only 3.2 IP in 2017, we felt we were ready to see what he had in 2018 but Kolek suffered another setback. Appearing in only 10 games (2 GS), he amassed 15.2 IP with 14 K but the results were less than favorable. The talent is there but this could be another case of “what could have been.”

50. Sean Reynolds, 1B
Age: 22
2018 Highest Level: A-
Stoffer’s tidbits: Last year Reynolds had 31 XBH in 270 AB, plus 13 SB. He should be higher on this list but his career high OBP is .306. If he can improve his batting eye he could be a factor.

 

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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6 Comments

    • This is Scott. I’ll let Stoffer get back to you on why he didn’t include him in the Marlins Top 50, but I can give you my point of view. He’s a 24-year-old who’s played the last 3 seasons at Double-A New Hampshire. I’ve seen him play a lot because they come to Hartford often. If you look at his stats he had a very good 2018 after a not-so-good 2017. I don’t think he’s a future everyday major leaguer, maybe a 4th or 5th OF/reserve guy. If you look back at Greg Bracken’s midseason Blue Jays Top 50 from this past August (below), Ramirez was in his Tier 4 at #31. I personally would have him in Tier 5 because not sure he’s going to be an MLB 40-man guy.

      31. Harold Ramirez, OF (Previously #23)
      Age: 23 (DOB: 09/06/94)
      Currently with AA New Hampshire
      Ramirez is nearing the end of a third full season at the AA level and finally showing the promise that he had in the lower minors earlier in his pro career. A strong second half has pushed his slashline up to .309/.363/.454. With little more to prove in the minors a September call-up is a possibility.

      Reply

  2. I did take a look at Ramirez but to be honest he is more a an asset for what he can do on the field defensively and if he makes the team it would probably be as a 5th OF and with looking at this from a fantasy perspective he doesn’t offer much BUT he is someone I am keeping my eye on as he is only 24 and he did display a little power last year (48 XBH).

    Reply

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