In 2020 the Miami Marlins surprised many, even themselves. The Marlins found themselves within reach of a playoff spot in the pandemic forced expanded playoffs. With a playoff birth, this would be just their third playoff appearance in their 28 years. The Marlins had the opportunity of breaking a 16-year playoff drought but to do so, they had to tap into their growing farm system. Due to COVID-19 protocols, they were forced to use 25 different position players and 36 pitchers.
The Marlins’ farm system saw several of their top prospects receive playing time in the Major League in 2020. With the help of an impressive 2020 season, the Marlins are looking to keep up their competitive play and their farm system will play a big role in that.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Team Top Prospects.
1. Sixto Sanchez – RHP
Fastball: 70
Curveball: 55
Cutter: 55
Changeup: 55
Control: 60
Overall: 60
Sixto Sanchez is currently ranked as the 15th overall prospect according to the MLB Pipeline. the six-foot right-handed starting pitcher was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies for the now two-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. Sanchez was one of the Marlins’ prospects that saw playing time in the shortened season in the form of seven starts as well as two starts during the playoffs. Sanchez impressed, posting the highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among pitchers at 1.4. At the age of 22, he has shown the tools to be a mainstay in the majors and contribute immediately to a young team searching for success.
ETA: 2021
2. JJ Bleday – OF
Hit: 55
Power: 60
Run: 45
Arm: 60
Field: 55
Overall: 60
JJ Bleday was drafted fourth overall by the Marlins in the 2019 MLB Draft. Bleday currently is the 20th overall prospect according to the MLB Pipeline. The lefty has showcased the tools to be a centerpiece for the Marlins. At 6’3″ and 205 lbs, Bleday will most likely find himself holding down right field with his MLB-ready arm. As a three-year college player, the 23-year-old has developed a disciplined approach at the plate that will allow his power and bat speed to contribute as soon as 2021.
ETA: 2021
3. Max Meyer – RHP
Fastball: 70
Slider: 70
Changeup: 55
Control: 55
Overall: 55
Max Meyer is another homegrown Miami talent, drafted 3rd overall in 2020. Meyer currently stands as the 28th ranked prospect according to the MLB Pipeline. However, 28th overall doesn’t do the right-hander justice as the best pitcher going into the 2020 draft. Meyer has a slider that can hit 100 mph as well as a slider that gives him an elite 1-2 combo of pitches. The soon-to-be 22-year-old is another player that we have not had the privilege of watching play in the minors, but even with an already impressive skill set, Meyer isn’t expected to make an immediate impact on the team. The future starting pitcher will have more time to develop before claiming a role in the Marlins’ young rotation.
ETA: 2022
4. Jazz Chisholm – SS
Hit: 45
Power: 55
Run: 55
Arm: 55
Field: 55
Overall: 55
Jazz Chisolm is the MLB Pipeline’s 66th overall prospect. The Bahaman shortstop was acquired by the Marlins in 2019 in a trade that sent starting pitcher Zac Gallen to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Originally, the trade drew confusion due to Gallen’s impressive showing in Miami. However, Chisolm has shown that he is the type of player and personality that you need to revitalize a team. The 23-year-old logged 62 plate appearances in the 2020 season. Although his play didn’t impress many, he has shown that he has the tools to succeed at the MLB level. If Chisolm can develop his already impressive tools more, it will allow him to be one of the faces of the Marlins.
ETA: 2021
5. Edward Cabrera – RHP
Fastball: 65
Slider: 60
Changeup: 55
Control: 50
Overall: 55
Edward Cabrera was originally signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2015 for $100,000. Almost six years later, the 22-year-old pitcher is the 68th overall prospect according to the MLB Pipeline. The 6’5″ right-handed pitcher has shown great potential in the minors before 2020, with a high-speed fastball and a great complimentary slider. Once believed to be nothing more than a bullpen arm, his pitch arsenal has shown that he has what it takes to be a Major League starting pitcher.
ETA: 2021
What Does the Future Hold?
With a young group of guys already producing better than expected on the field for the Miami Marlins, the addition of their top prospects will help them prepare to compete in an extremely tough National League East.
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