Marlins looking to add top 10 international prospect

The Miami Marlins have been criticized in the past for not spending enough in the international market. That might be changing soon.

The team is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to quickly rebuild the lower levels of the franchise. After drafting fewer than a handful of high school players in the 2017 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins have turned their attention to the international market.

Reports suggest that they are looking to add several players, notably one in the top 10 internationally. If the Marlins manage to pull in Ynamol Marinez, it will cost them more than they’ve spent in quite some time.

At only 16 years old, his talent is difficult to project eight or nine years into the future. Scouts like what they have seen so far though.

Marinez already stands at 6 feet tall, and weighs 170 pounds. Keep in mind that he is only 16 and will continue to grow before he reaches maturity. Many feel that his size might eventually pull him over to third base. With a strong arm and decent range in either direction, it appears to be the most natural fit. On the 20-80 scale, Marinez nets a 65 with his glove, and a 60 with his arm.

Scouts rave about Marinez’s athleticism. Many feel he is the best pure athlete available on the international market right now. That will give the signing club the versatility to play him wherever there is need.

Take a look at his scouting video:

Signing Marinez will cost Miami big

Slick with the leather, no doubt. Give Perry Hill three weeks with Marinez, he’ll be winning gold gloves in no time! He showed off every bit of arm strength ranging into the hole, gloving with the backhand, and firing to first.

Mechanically his swing is sound. Right now, Marinez hits a lot of line drives and is able to spray a fastball to any field. He is working on handling secondary pitches with the same fluency.

Miami is currently the favorite to pull in Marinez. However, it’s going to cost them more than they have spent in the international market in a long time. Given his favorable skill set and his standing on the international market prospect list, it might cost upwards of $1 million.

After a solid draft class, adding Marinez would be a savvy move for the ball club. With a few prudent trades at the deadline, the team could find their prospect pool near the middle of the pack in 2018. If they were to trade one of their cornerstones, possibly in the top five.

Next: MLB Draft spotlight: Colton Hock, RHP, 4th round

The Miami Marlins might be looking to rebuild this year. They might not. Either way, they need an influx of young talent. Marinez could become a star at the Major League level with careful development and hard work.

At only 16, he is the most promising target the Marlins have seriously considered in a long time.