Brian Anderson appears ready to make the jump to Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins will face a few roster decisions ahead of the 2018 season. One that should be relatively straightforward is the promotion of Brian Anderson.

September callups are right around the corner. For baseball fans, it’s a chance to get a look at the players of the future. For members of the organization, it’s a chance to get their lower-level players feet wet. Brian Anderson falls under both categories.

The Miami Marlins third baseman of the future has been on an absolute tear in the minor leagues. Since being promoted to AAA, his numbers have only improved. A September appearance is practically a guarantee, but then what?

How close is Brian Anderson to becoming the Miami Marlins everyday third baseman?

Like all roster moves, it depends largely on what the incoming ownership group wants to do. You’ll recall that the Marlins currently have Martin Prado locked into a contract for the next two years. Like any relationship where one party wants out but is contractually tethered, it’s complicated.

If the Miami Marlins don’t find a way to move his contract, it could delay Anderson’s arrival.

He’ll turn 25-years old next season and appears ready to make his debut. Chances are the team didn’t think he’d have a breakout season this year when they signed Prado longterm. It’s the kind of shortsightedness that leaves a GM out of a job when a new ownership group comes in.

Anderson spent the bulk of the season in AA and played well. He was named the the All-Star game, and after a slow start, brought his numbers back to respectability.

Since being promoted to AAA, Anderson has kicked his production into a higher gear.

Facts and figures

If there were any lingering doubts about Anderson’s MLB readiness, he’s put them to rest. Since being called up on July 15th, he’s slashing .354/.418/.625, his OPS is 1.043.

His power numbers have seen a spike, too. In 96 at-bats, he’s punched seven home runs over the wall, doubled five times, and accounted for 22 runs batted in. You can expect an increase in his K% when he is promoted, but currently at 17.2-percent, it should remain palatable.

Anderson is working a walk in about nine-percent of his AB’s, a number the team would like to go up. But in terms of production, there is nothing to dislike.

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Expect the Miami Marlins to look for ways to cut cost, but keep their core intact. I wouldn’t expect trades of the Giancarlo Stanton‘s and Christian Yelich‘s, but moving Martin Prado seems likely. You’ll recall they attempted to do so before he was injured before the deadline this year.

Brian Anderson checks all the boxes the team is looking for. He’s young, talented, has years of team control ahead of him, and can make an impact right away. Currently ranked as the Miami Marlins third overall prospect, he should be ready to come off that list by 2018.