Miami Marlins MLB draft prospect: LHP David Peterson

The MLB draft is only three days away now. As the date nears, lets take a look at some of the prospects the Miami Marlins might be looking to add.

It’s no mystery what the Miami Marlins are looking for ahead of the 2017 MLB draft. The team is in desperate need of pitching. The farm system is significantly depleted, and needing help at the Major League level as well, they’ll go with a starting pitcher in the first round.

The question is which. A few weeks ago we looked at some of the potential targets heading into the draft. Now, lets look at another one that wasn’t mentioned in that post.

LHP David Peterson is looking to parlay an unreal senior season at Oregon into a quick MLB appearance. He just might get it with the Miami Marlins.

Peterson is considered one of the more Major League ready pitchers in this years draft. Despite having gone with a prep school star in recent drafts, the team finds itself in a unique position this year. They need help at the pro level, fast. 

Enter David Peterson. The hard-throwing lefty out Oregon who has risen through the ranks of Division I baseball with the quickness. His arsenal includes four pitches, all which project to be plus pitches in time.

Peterson has made talented college ball players look downright foolish this year. Standing an imposing 6 foot 6 inches tall, and weighing 240-pounds, he’s an imposing figure on the mound. He struggled with his command early in his career, but has found his groove in his senior season.

Whatever it was that clicked for Peterson has led to some unbelievable numbers. He’s totaled over 140 K’s on the season. More impressive? He’s walked only 15 batters all year.

What he would bring to the Miami Marlins

A legitimate, projectable ace of the staff. Braxton Garrett is likely headed towards Tommy John surgery. He still figures to be the dominant pitcher we expect him to be, but his arrival in the MLB will be significantly delayed.

Same goes for Tyler Kolek, who had the surgery over a year ago and is nearing his return to competition.

Within a few years, Peterson would be ready to join the Miami Marlins staff.

The lefty brings a fastball that lives in the low-90’s, but can touch the mid-90’s on occasion. He supplements that with a wipeout slider, and an effective change up. He possess a curveball with significant late movement, but it needs to be developed further.

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The Marlins also possess another two selections within the top 51 picks. This draft is deep with toolsy outfielders. They may choose to go in that direction in the later rounds.