Marlins pitcher Nick Neidert working his way toward the Majors

Nick Neidert, the Miami Marlins No. 4 minor league prospect, is looking to make a lasting impression this spring that leads to a Major League roster spot.

When Miami Marlins fans talk about trades that helped to break up the organization last off-season, many times they fail to discuss the Dee Gordon trade with the Seattle Mariners. While it may not have seemed as significant considering the new ownership group led by Derek Jeter traded away Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna, what was significant about this deal where is the fact that Miami acquired Nick Neidert.

Neidert, the Marlins reigning Minor-League Pitcher of the Year, he’s working on making a lasting impression that he hopes will lead to a trip to the Major-League level in the near future.

The team’s No. 4 minor-league prospect as shown in a very short time during spring training that at some point in 2019, he could be part of this team’s starting rotation.

On Wednesday, Neidert showed he could overcome adversity and pitch two scoreless innings. It wasn’t that Neidert held the Atlanta Braves without a run, it was the fact he backed himself into a jam and was able to work through his troubles. Recovery of a pitcher in what appears to be helpless situations is what gets noticed on the Major League level.

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Neidert is making an impression on the coaching staff and the front office. It’s quite possible the Marlins got the better end of the deal that sent the beloved Gordon to the great northwest.

“The ultimate goal is to pitch in Miami. But just to go out there, pound the strike zone, get guys out and show I can be effective,” Neidert said on Wednesday following to the 4-0 loss to Atlanta.

Right now, Nick Neidert is considered the team’s second best pitching prospect behind Sixto Sanchez. There is a chance, although slim, he could wind up on the Marlins 25-man roster. There are a few obstacles he must overcome. Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez, Trevor Richards and Caleb Smith may have something to say about it.

Neidert wasn’t on the team’s 40-man roster but was invited to Spring Training. He should start 2019 in New Orleans at the Triple-A level. He was outstanding as the ace of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp staff at Double-A. He could work his way toward a Major League appearance before the All-Star break.

As Joe Frisaro wrote, “Not overpowering, Neidert’s strength is his pinpoint command and four-pitch mix. He throws a fastball, curveball, slider and changeup.”

As long a he is effective, not being dominant isn’t an issue. If he is effective, that is all that should matter to the coaching staff in Miami.