Miami Marlins: Six Players to Watch

Lewis Brinson

Lewis Brinson made his debut for the Miami Marlins on opening day, and is a solid contender for Rookie of the Year. His 115+MPH home run in the final spring game (in a 22-2 rout of the Miami Hurricanes) was the stuff of legend. Only seven homers were hit that hard through all of last season in the major leagues.

All but anointed “The Chosen One” since his arrival via the Christian Yelich trade, Brinson could make good on those expectations. Long considered a top prospect, he’s currently ranked #1 in Miami’s system, and #27 overall. In 2012, he was chosen in the first round by the Rangers. He arrived in Miami’s system with Isan Diaz, Monte Harrison, and Jordan Yamamoto for Christian Yelich.

The 6’3″, 170 lb. Brinson is a Tamarac, FL native, and will be 24-years-old in May. Steamer projects him to appear in just under 100 games, and hit .256. He’s a legitimate 20-20 threat as a rookie, and is widely expected to compete for NL Rookie of the Year.

“Toolsy” is a word that is often applied to Brinson, and watching his minor league reel it’s easy to see why. He grades at least above average in every category except for “hit,” and he’s shown improvement in that as well. With measurable strides made in plate discipline and pitch recognition, Brinson is the closest thing the Marlins’ have to a “can’t miss” prospect. Currently listed as a center fielder, Brinson is probably Miami’s long-term solution in right field.