Miami Marlins prospect haul: Lukas Schiraldi, RHP

The Miami Marlins sent reliever David Phelps to the Seattle Mariners for a haul of prospects. We take a look at the pitcher Lukas Schiraldi.

The Miami Marlins received four prospects in exchange for reliever David Phelps. As a member of the organization, Phelps was beloved for his intensity. Even in his departure, he netted quality prospects for the organization.

Lukas Schiraldi might not be the most heralded name on the list of prospects Miami received in exchange. That could be due in part to the fact that he is the only pitcher who works out of the bullpen in the lot. In that capacity, he provides upside with promise.

A tall, hard-throwing right-hander, Schiraldi fits the Miami Marlins mold.

Schiraldi is the least heralded of the return Miami managed for Phelps. Perhaps most notable about Schiraldi is that his father is infamous in Boston Red Sox lore.  If the younger Schiraldi is going to get the opportunity to blow a World Series, he’ll have to improve.

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There is little doubt about his ability to throw heat. With an mid-to-upper 90’s fastball, Schiraldi throws pure petrol. But as is the case with many young flamethrowers, he struggles with command. Through 37.1 innings, Schiraldi has walked 27 batters.

After starting his professional career in the starting rotation, he’s made 48 career starts over the course of five years. He’s worked exclusively out of the bullpen in 2017.

The transition appears to be for the best. After posting a 7.77 ERA at A-ball in 2016, he’s improved to a 4.58 ERA in 2017. His numbers are improved across the board, notably in his WHIP.

Projecting Schiraldi

It’s difficult to say that Schiraldi will make an appearance in MLB with any certainty. He’ll need to show significant improvement in his command of the strike zone to advance any further. Pitching to more contact would be a start.

Schiraldi is averaging an eye popping 15.2 SO/9. However, that is coupled with a BB/9 at 6.5, which puts him behind the eight-ball far too often. Unless he is able to cut down on his walks drastically, don’t expect him in a Miami Marlins uniform.

There is evidence to suggest he’ll improve. After being drafted in the 35th round in the MLB draft in 2013, he improved his stock by 20 rounds in only one year. In 2014, Schiraldi was taken by the Mariners in the 15th round of the MLB Draft.

Next: Miami Marlins prospect haul: Brayan Hernandez, OF

The Miami Marlins have a habit of pushing tall, power pitching relievers through their farm system. For whatever reason, that prototype finds success in Miami. With that in mind, Schiraldi could conceivably make an appearance in with the pro club in time.

It’s difficult to say when he’ll arrive. His velocity and strikeout ability are already well advanced. His arrival is entirely contingent on his ability to start throwing strikes with consistency. If the Miami Marlins pitching staff is able to help sort it out, he could be the steal of this trade.