Do the Miami Marlins Have Too Many Arms in the Minors?

The Miami Marlins have plenty of pitching prospects within their minor league system to feel comfortable about the future of this organization.

Do the Miami Marlins have too many pitching prospects heading into the 2019 season, and will the abundance of arms mean the team will trade prospects for help in their batting order?

A few years ago, I wrote a story on the Marlins and their riches in the outfield. How could this team make themselves better and would the organization, led by David Samson and Michael Hill, find help for their subpar pitching staff?

Now, the situation may be reversed. The young arms are the reason for optimism two, three, and four years down the road. It’s the position prospects that may have been stepped over in the process. Rookies and second-year players will take time to develop.

2018 Top pick, outfielder Connor Scott, catcher Will Banfield, outfielder Tristan Pompey, catcher Cameron Barstad are a few years away from making their Major League debut.

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The Marlins made deals that brought Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez and Nick Neidert to the minor league system. Add Caleb Smith (out for the season with an injury) Ben Meyer, Zac Gallen, and Jorge Guzman, and you have plenty of depth for the future.

Lopez, Alcantara and Trevor Richards are already part of the rotation this season. Once Alcantara returns from the disabled list, the team could use three rookies at the end of the regular season.

Adam Conley, Tayron Guerrero (despite injury), Kyle Barraclough (despite recent woes) and Drew Steckenrider have been impressive in the bullpen this season.

Per Walter Villa of Baseball America, it is Alcantara who is leading the pitching renaissance for the organization. There are others who will have a chance to leave a lasting impression.

"“The Marlins also have four of their Top 10 Prospects pitching at Class A: No. 3 Jorge Guzman at high Class A Jupiter and No. 6 Edward Cabrera, No. 8 Trevor Rogers and No. 9 Braxton Garrett at low Class A Greensboro,” he writes."

One pitcher I have watched here in Jacksonville is Merandy Gonzalez, who has spent time on the Major League level this season and figures to be part of the bullpen if there is a place for him. Neidert could be the best pitcher in the minor league system right now.

"“Nick has been our most consistent starter since the beginning of the season,” Jacksonville manager Randy Ready said of Neidert in Villa’s story. “He has above-average command with his fastball, which is a great ingredient. His changeup has been a plus pitch, and his slider is continuing to improve.”"

The Miami Marlins have plenty of pitching prospects within their minor league system to feel comfortable about the future of this organization.

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