Miami Marlins prospect watch: Braxton Garrett

The former first round pick could be a major player for the Miami Marlins in the future, and is highly regarded by the organization.

Braxton Garrett was the Miami Marlins first round pick in the 2016 MLB amateur draft. The Fish drafted him out of high school in Florence, Alabama. Garrett is in his first year as a professional playing for the Low A Greensboro Grasshoppers.

He’s a tall, lanky left hander standing at 6 foot 3 inches, 190lbs. Fish fans can think of his frame akin to Adam Conley. At the top end of his potential, comparisons to Chris Sale and Clayton Kershaw aren’t out of question. In only two starts for Greensboro, Garret has surrendered only one earned run in 9.2 innings pitched.

Don’t expect Garrett at the pro level anytime soon, though. He is a considered a project, along with righty Tyler Kolek. Members of the front office hope the two will turn into a one-two punch in the future. Both guys are still extremely young, with Garrett being only 19.

The future

Expect to realistically see Garrett in five years or so. Garrett could be the real deal when his time comes around. Draft picks like him are important, because if they pan out, you’ll have a franchise player.

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Initial reports indicate that Garrett should reach the upside of his potential. This year about getting his feet wet in professional baseball and allowing him to make the necessary adjustments. Next year, more will be expected of him.

If healthy, he could receive an invite to spring training. The way the Miami Marlins starting rotation is shaping up, there should be jobs to be won next year. At the risk of getting ahead of myself, I’d like to point out the last Marlins ace was in A ball, then made the majors due to opportunity and a stellar spring training.

If Garrett is indeed a future ace, his time may come quicker than many people think. Josh Beckett, Dontrelle Willis, Livan Hernandez and Jose Fernandez all arrived int he Major Leagues sooner than originally projected. However, once they were given an opportunity, they seized it and excelled at the pro level.

Next: Miami Marlins better off with Jarlin Garcia in rotation

The Marlins will give a healthy Garrett every opportunity to prove himself. Hopefully he does sooner rather than later because the Marlins need it.