It’s now been just over three years since Derek Jeter & Co. took over the Marlins and their fingerprints are now all over the farm system. Many of their young acquisitions have already debuted in the show, leading Miami to a surprise playoff run in 2020. However, the NL East is newly revamped, and they will have their work cut out for them if they hope to make a return trip. Should they accomplish that goal, many of the prospects on this list will play a factor.
Note: These Top 50 lists are all done through a fantasy baseball-focused lens. Many players who are ranked higher or lower on other platforms will get a boost here. For example, players who profile as middle relievers or glove-first infielders likely won’t have much fantasy relevance, so they won’t be ranked as highly.
1. Sixto Sanchez, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: MLB
WHOOSH. That’s the sound of a plus plus fastball flying by in the triple digits. Sanchez debuted in Miami during the abbreviated MLB season and immediately showed why he has ace-like potential. In addition to his fastball, Sanchez has both a changeup and slider that can flash plus potential, with the changeup being his main off-speed pitch to keep hitters off-balance. Look for Sanchez to cement himself atop the Marlins rotation in 2021 (and continue winning me fantasy championships).
ETA: Debuted
2. Max Meyer, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: N/A
The 3rd overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Minnesota, Meyer pushes triple digits with his fastball, which he uses to set up his plus plus slider. That two-pitch combo was one of the best in the 2020 draft, and some scouts believe it will allow Meyer to develop into a frontline starter. He also has a developing changeup that reports say is progressing nicely since he didn’t use it much in college. Look for Meyer to debut in Low-A in 2021.
ETA: 2022
3. JJ Bleday, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+
A pure hitter out of Vanderbilt in 2019, Bleday has a pure feel for hitting to all fields to go along with developing power. At his peak, he should be able to hit .300 with at least 25 HRs. Defensively, he profiles as a solid right fielder, where an above-average arm will allow him to keep baserunners honest. Look for him to begin 2021 in AA, where he should be able to move quickly through the system.
ETA: 2022
4. Edward Cabrera, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
Cabrera tore up the minors in 2019 to the tune of a 2.23 ERA and 116 Ks in 96.2 innings. He has a mid-90s fastball that is thrown on a very downhill plane, so it generates a lot of groundballs, and he complements it well with a slider and a changeup. Should he build off his 2019 success, he has the tools to turn into a frontline starter. Look for him to begin 2021 in AAA before getting the call relatively soon.
ETA: 2021
5. Jazz Chisholm, 2B/SS
Age: 22
Highest Level: MLB
A solid defender, Chisolm will be able to stick up the middle and rack up the HRs and SBs at the MLB level. He has a power/speed combo that is rivaled by next to none and should have a future as a solid fantasy contributor. Unfortunately, he often struggles with the hit tool, and I wonder if he’ll be able to hit enough to remain in the everyday lineup. Should he figure that out, he has the chance to become a perennial all-star.
ETA: Debuted
6. Jesus Sanchez, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB
A solid all-around OF who debuted in 2020, Sanchez struggled during his initial cup of coffee but has the tools to be a big-league regular. His left-handed swing is very smooth, and he makes hard, consistent contact on a regular basis. Despite that, he does have some swing and miss to his game and needs to work on his launch angle to really tap into his power. Should he make the necessary adjustments, his ceiling is a .280 hitter with 25 HRs annually at the highest level.
ETA: Debuted
7. Kameron Misner, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
A solid hitter who gets a bump in OBP leagues, Misner will be able to get on base at a consistent clip but struggles in the power department. However, scouts believe he has the body to develop power, and should he tap into it, he will skyrocket up this list. Look for Misner to begin the season in High-A with the potential to rise quickly through the system.
ETA: 2022
8. Peyton Burdick, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
A third-round pick in 2019, Burdick was the Class-A MVP in that year, where he slashed .308/.407/.562. He also has glowing reports from the Marlins Instructional camp, where some evaluators believe he will explode when back to game action in 2021. I am very high on Burdick and envision him developing into a fantasy regular who will be much higher on this list in 2022. Look for him to start the season in High-A, where he could advance quickly if he continues to hit.
ETA: 2022
9. Trevor Rogers, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
Rogers debuted in 2020 to mixed success, as he showed he can strikeout hitters but often ran into command issues. His fastball sits at 92 MPH, although it seems to get on hitters quicker than that and often plays up. His secondary pitches include a plus changeup, along with a curveball and a cutter. Look for Rogers to develop into a number three starter in the Marlins rotation for the foreseeable future.
ETA: Debuted
10. Lewin Diaz, 1B
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
A defense-first 1B, Diaz debuted in 2020 but struggled at the plate. Despite that, reports from the winter league have suggested that he has made an adjustment and is now tearing the cover off the ball. I’m cautiously optimistic, although I will probably hold off from trying to acquire Diaz until I see some more results stateside.
ETA: Debuted
11. Connor Scott, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+
A former first-round pick, Scott has struggled as a pro but has the tools to have a successful career. He has a solid left-handed swing and developing power to go along with plus speed, meaning he just needs to work on making consistent contact and improving his plate discipline in order to have success. Look for him to repeat High-A to start the 2021 season but get pushed aggressively should he have success.
ETA: 2023
12. Dax Fulton, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: N/A
The Marlins second-round pick in 2020, Fulton is the ultimate boom or bust prospect. A prep LHP, he pitched for Team USA at the u18 level before injuring his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery. When healthy, he sits 90-93 with his fastball and has a plus plus curveball that plays up from his 6-foot-6 frame. Despite being that tall, he still has room to fill out his frame and should add velocity as he matures. If you’re feeling lucky and want a prospect to potentially win the lottery with, Fulton may be your guy.
ETA: 2024
13. Braxton Garrett, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB
Garrett debuted in the MLB in 2020 and showed strikeout stuff, albeit with the tendency to give up the long ball. His fastball sits 90-93 but plays up, and he complements it with one of the better curveballs in the Marlins system. As he continues to develop, his changeup should turn into at least a league-average third offering. Look for Garrett to compete for a rotation spot in spring training before likely beginning the season in AAA.
ETA: Debuted
14. Monte Harrison, OF
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB
Another 2020 debutant, Harrison is a former top prospect who struggled mightily and possesses some signs that are worrying for the future. Despite having an elite skill set, Harrison struggles to make consistent contact against elite pitching, and he will need to drastically improve his .OBP while dramatically cutting his K% if he hopes to remain in the show. It will be a make or break year for Harrison in 2021.
ETA: Debuted
15. Nick Neidert, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
A former second-round pick who also debuted in 2020, Neidert sits 90-93 with his fastball with decent command. He does run significant reliever risk. While the Marlins have stated he will have a chance to compete for a rotation spot, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got moved to the bullpen, either in the MLB or down in AAA until there are some injuries in Miami.
ETA: Debuted
16. Yiddi Cappe, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: N/A
Signed for $3.5 Million out of the Dominican Republic, Cappe is an all-around SS who should be able to hit for both average and power without having either tool really stand out. Defensively, he should be able to stick up the middle despite having a 6’3 frame, with scouts saying he has quick feet and a strong arm. I am high on Cappe moving forward.
ETA: 2024
17. Jerar Encarnacion, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+
A bat-first OF, Encarnacion hit .276/.331/.425 in 2019 and should continue to advance up the minor league ladder. However, there are currently multiple other OFs ahead of him on the depth chart, and Encarnacion struggles defensively, so he will need to improve to have any fantasy relevance. Look for him to begin 2021 in AA.
ETA: 2022
18. Griffin Conine, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
The son of Mr. Marlin and acquired in a 2020 trade with the Blue Jays, Conine has plus power but struggles to make consistent contact. Despite that, he was a Midwest League All-Star in 2019 as he hit 22 HRs with a SLG% of .576. Look for Conine to cut down on his swing and miss as he advances up the minor league ladder, where he will likely start his 2021 season in AA.
ETA: 2022
19. Nasim Nunez, SS
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-
A defense-first SS who walks a lot, Nunez projects as a utility infielder who could be used as a pinch hitter off the bench. Although he is not there yet, should he improve his hitting and power, Nunez could become a fantasy asset in the future. Look for him to start 2021 in Low-A.
ETA: 2023
20. Jose Devers, SS
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+
The Marlins protected Devers in the 40-man draft, which shows that they value his speed and ability to get on base. Unfortunately for him, Devers has zero power and has been bitten by the injury bug more often than not throughout his career. Look for him to return to High-A to start 2021, where if he can prove that he is healthy, he will get the chance to advance to the upper minors.
ETA: 2023
21. Jose Salas, SS
Age: 17
Highest Level: N/A
Another international signee, Salas is only 17 years old but is already 6’2 with a projectable frame and is expected to grow even more. He has a quick bat, and scouts say he has a natural feel for hitting. Salas will be one to watch as he moves stateside and begins to climb the minor league ranks.
ETA: 2025
22. Jorge Guzman, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
Pitched one inning in the MLB in 2020 in which he got rocked, as he gave up 2 HRs. Long term, he projects as a back of the rotation starter, although he will have stiff competition with the number of arms the Marlins have and could wind up relegated to the pen.
ETA: Debuted
23. Kyle Nicolas, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: N/A
Basically a two-pitch pitcher, Nicolas has a plus fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a slider that shows some promise. He was drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft, so we’ve yet to see him against pro competition, but I like what he brings to the table. However, Nicolas runs the risk of becoming a reliever if he fails to properly develop a third pitch.
ETA: 2023
24. Zach McCambley, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: N/A
The Marlins third-round pick of the 2020 draft, McCambley has a mid-90s fastball, which he complements well with a solid curveball. Scouts say both pitches have high spin rates; however, McCambley will need to develop a third pitch if he wishes to remain a starter going forward.
ETA: 2024
25. Victor Victor Mesa, OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
A former top prospect after being signed for big money, VVM has struggled as a pro and will need to put it together quickly as he is quickly becoming an advanced age for a prospect. The power/speed combo is there—VVM just needs to make more consistent contact and get on base at a better clip. Look for him to begin 2021 in AAA where he should quickly get the call if he produces.
ETA: 2021
26. Victor Mesa Jr., OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: Rookie
The younger brother of VVM, Mesa Jr. was seen as less of a prospect when originally signed but has had more success thus far in the minor leagues, albeit in rookie league. He was the Marlins Gulf Coast League MVP in 2019 and has similar tools to his older brother, although they are not as pronounced yet. Look for him to debut in full-season ball in 2021.
ETA: 2023
27. Alex Vesia, LHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
Vesia pitched 4.1 innings out of the Marlins bullpen in 2020 and struggled mightily, giving up 9 earned runs. However, he does profile as a high-leverage LHP out of the pen, so should he crack the Marlins opening day roster, he may be one to watch for save opportunities.
ETA: Debuted
28. Jake Eder, LHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: N/A
A 2020 fourth-round pick, Eder is a LHP who pitched at Vanderbilt and signed for an above slot bonus this summer. He sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and backs it up with a plus curveball. As for his third pitch, his changeup still needs some work. Should that pitch progress nicely, Eder could be a back of the rotation starter, but his stuff could also play up in a relief role.
ETA: 2023
29. Evan Fitterer, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie
After being drafted in the fifth-round in 2019, Fitterer signed well over slot and pitched well in his pro debut. His fastball sits in the low 90s while he has three solid secondary pitches and plus command. His upper 70s curveball is one pitch to watch in particular, as it has a nice shape and often fools hitters. He reminds me of a prospect who the early 2000’s Oakland A’s Moneyball teams would be attracted to, as he doesn’t have plus plus stuff but knows how to pitch and can get results. In fact, I can practically see Jonah Hill and Brad Pitt fist-bumping in their war room back in 2019 when they managed to grab him in the fifth round.
ETA: 2023
30. Paul Campbell, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA
Drafted and signed by the Rays, the Marlins were able to snag Campbell in the Rule 5 draft this past December, and thus he should have the inside track to earning a big-league bullpen spot in 2021. He has four pitches, including a fastball that sits mid-90s and two different breaking pitches, both of which are very good. Lastly, he has a changeup that is used sparingly but would be broken out more should he start again in the future.
ETA: 2021
31. Jordan Holloway, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
Holloway finally made the big leagues in 2020 after six years in the minors, where he battled injuries and inconsistency. When healthy, he sits 95-98 and can run it upwards of triple digits, showing he has plus potential. His curveball flashes plus potential at times as it sits in the low 80s with a hammer shape, but it lacks serious consistency. Look for Holloway to compete for a bullpen spot in 2021.
ETA: 2021
32. Breidy Encarnacion, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie
The second Encarnacion on this list, he tore up rookie ball in 2019 to the tune of a 1.91 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 57 Ks in 47 innings. He currently sits in the low 90s but should be able to add more velocity as he matures. As for secondary’s, he features a curveball and developing changeup. He is definitely one to watch in 2021 and could shoot up these rankings should he continue having success.
ETA: 2024
33. Will Banfield, C
Age: 20
Highest Level: A
A defense-first catcher, Banfield was invited to the alternate training site in 2020 where he got rave reviews about his bat, so we will see how he fares in 2021. At the very least, he should be able to make the major leagues as a defensive-minded catcher, although that will have little to no value in the fantasy world.
34. Zach Pop, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
A fellow Canadian, Pop was selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Diamondbacks and subsequently traded to the Marlins. He has an upper 90s two-seam fastball that induces a ton of groundballs and, like Campbell, should have the inside track to a spot in the Marlins bullpen. It will be interesting to see if Pop gets into any high leverage situations in 2021.
ETA: 2021
35. Evan Edwards, 1B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
A 2019 fourth-round draft pick, Edwards hit well during his debut and will look to build upon that success in the 2021 season. Defensively, he is limited to 1B, so he will need to produce to remain fantasy relevant. Look for him to begin the 2021 season in AA.
ETA: 2023
36. Remey Reed, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: A
An older prospect, Reed had success in 2019 by putting up a 2.75 ERA with 76 strikeouts over 75.1 innings. He should be bumped to AA or even AAA in 2021, where if he continues to have success, he could eventually be called up to the big club in Miami.
ETA: 2021
37. J.D. Orr, OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: A-
A pure speedster who managed to get on base at an outstanding clip in his pro debut (29 SBs and a .469 OBP), Orr is a 10th round pick who impressed many with his 2019 season after being drafted out of Wright State University. Look for him to make the jump to the upper minors in 2021, where should he continue to produce, he will firmly cement himself on prospect watch lists.
ETA: 2022
38. Joe Dunand, 3B
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA
A massive Dominican Winter League in which he hit .319 with a .939 OPS keeps him on this list; Dunand has at times struggled in the minor leagues but will hope to build off this success as he prepares for 2021. At this point, he is simply depth, but it is always worth keeping an eye on players as they show signs for a potential breakout.
ETA: 2021
39. Diowill Burgos, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie
In 2019, Burgos tore up the Dominican Summer League before struggling in his first taste of pro ball stateside. He does possess plus power with the ability to hit for average, but he is very raw and is a long term project. Look for Burgos to repeat rookie-level ball in 2021.
ETA: 2024
40. Luis Palacios, LHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie
These players are all lottery tickets at this point in the list as some of them will progress through the minors and break out while others will regress into oblivion. However, I like Palacios’ profile, and the results back it up, as he has a career 1.63 ERA over three rookie ball seasons. Look for him to make his full-season debut in 2021 and should he continue to have success, shoot up these rankings.
ETA: 2024
41. Chris Mokma, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie
Mokma was drafted in the 12th round of 2019 out of high school and pitched well during his pro debut, obtaining an ERA of 2.19 with 12 K’s in 12.1 IPs. He has a nice fastball/changeup combination and will be interesting to watch as he progresses through the minor leagues.
ETA: 2024
42. Osiris Johnson, SS
Age: 20
Highest Level: A
A second-round pick who hasn’t played in two years after missing the 2019 season due to injury, Johnson has the tools to shoot up this board should he be able to prove he is healthy and can still compete. He will also need to show he can get on base at a better clip, as even when healthy, he only had a .276 OBP over two levels in 2018.
ETA: 2024
43. Eury Perez, RHP
Age: 18
Highest Level: N/A
A 6-foot-9 RHP out of the Dominican Republic, I don’t know much about Perez, but his size and the reports about him intrigue me, so I look forward to seeing him pitch in 2021. He will likely start in the DSL, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Marlins push him and have him come stateside to make his pro debut.
ETA: 2025
44. Ian Lewis, SS
Age: 17
Highest Level: N/A
A switch hitter out of the Bahamas, Lewis signed for $950,000 and has the ability to play all over the field. He was the highest-ranked prospect coming out of the Bahamas in the 2019 class and should be one to watch as he makes his pro debut. He seems to have a good work ethic, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up having a solid Major League career.
ETA: 2025
45. Junior Sanchez, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: N/A
Another signing from the 2019 J2 class, Sanchez signed for $1.15 Million and has an advanced approach with the ability to hit the ball all over the field. Reports say he lives and breathes the game of baseball, so I look forward to him debuting in the DSL before eventually making his way stateside.
ETA: 2025
46. Thomas Jones, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
A third-round pick in 2016, Jones has struggled over the course of his career and will have to drastically improve his hit tool to advance through the loaded Miami OF ranks. At this point, he has little to no prospect value, but I like his makeup, so I will still be monitoring him.
ETA: 2024
47. Tristan Pompey, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+
Another former third-round pick and brother of former Blue Jays outfielder Dalton Pompey, Tristan had success through the 2018 season before falling off a cliff in 2019. He is more of a doubles hitter, as he doesn’t hit for many HRs and has only slightly above average speed. Pompey will need to bounce back in a big way to return to fantasy radars.
ETA: 2023
48. Renny Hidalgo, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: N/A
The son of former Major Leaguer Richard Hidalgo, Renny is another 2019 J2 signing that will look to make his pro debut in 2021. He is a long-shot prospect at this point, but the bloodlines will at least make it interesting to watch as he progresses through the minor leagues.
ETA: 2025
49. Tommy Eveld, RHP
Age: 27
Highest Level: AAA
An older reliever, Eveld had success in AA in 2019 before struggling in the hitter-friendly AAA PCL league. He should get an invitation to spring training, where he will look to try and earn a bullpen role, but at this point, he is likely just organizational depth.
ETA: 2021
50. Demetrius Sims, SS
Age: 25
Highest Level: A+
An older prospect, Sims has shown flashes and produced decent results in 2019 as a 23-year-old in High-A. He is more of a gap-to-gap hitter at this point, but should he develop more power will likely jump up the rankings. He is organizational depth at this point, although somewhat more interesting to watch than your typical 25-year-old who has yet to reach AA.
Photos by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire | Design by Quincey Dong (@threerundong on Twitter)