Miami Marlins prospect haul: Brandon Miller, RHP

Continuing our look at the Miami Marlins haul in exchange for David Phelps. The second of four prospects, pitcher Brandon Miller projects as a rotation starter.

The Miami Marlins made their first move that can be considered a deadline deal on Thursday. After weeks of speculation, trading relief pitcher David Phelps was an expected move.

We’ve already looked at the headlining name in the trade, Brayan Hernandez. Now let’s look at some of the other prospects the Marlins received. Three of them were on Seattle’s top 30 prospect list. Brandon Miller is the highest rated pitcher of the bunch.

In time, Brandon Miller could become a rotation starter for the Miami Marlins.

Since arriving with the organization, Miller has been slotted as the 14th prospect on the farm. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Miller could be Major League ready before too long.

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Only one season into his professional career, Miller has looked the part of future rotation starter. Drafted out of Millersville University, Miller is 22-years old and stands 6-foot-4, weighing in at 210 pounds. He was the highest selection for the Marauders in program history.

Featuring a fastball that sits in the low 90’s, he generally tops out around 93 mph. His slider is his best pitch, which he turns to when he’s looking for a strikeout. With a curveball and and a change up that hover on the cusp of professional quality, their development will determine his ultimate role.

Projecting Miller’s arrival

There is some debate over what Miller’s role should be. Some feel that his lack of a third pitch projects a future in long-relief. Of his 32 appearances as a professional, 31 have been as a starter in the rotation.

Miller’s ability to command the strike zone is his biggest attribute. In his first taste of professional action, he pitched 56.1 innings at short-A, and issued only seven walks. His walk rate is up slightly this season, with 11 walks in 101 innings.

Miller’s performance this season should warrant a promotion before too long. In his 18 starts, he has pitched to a 9-4 record, with a 3.65 ERA, and is averaging over eight strikeouts per nine innings.

With a smooth, easily repeatable, and low-stress delivery, Miller is able to throw a lot of innings. With the exception of a two starts, he has thrown at least five innings each start this season. The Marlins are desperate for healthy, projectable arms after several key pitching prospects undergoing Tommy John surgery recently.

Next: Miami Marlins prospect haul: Brayan Miller, OF

MLB.com projects that Miller will be arriving at the Major League level in 2019. He figures to be a back of the rotation starter, possibly a third starter if he is able to develop both of his fringe off-speed pitches.

Of all the prospects the Miami Marlins received in exchange for David Phelps, Miller could be the first to appear in a Miami Marlins uniform. An invitation to spring training in 2018 is possible, but unlikely. With continued progression, he could conceivably compete for a spot the following season.