Marlins: Kam Misner is a player to watch next season

While many scouts and analysts watch JJ Bleday in the minors, outfielder Kam Minser is making a name for himself in the Marlins organization.

For a player who was one of the top picks by the Miami Marlins in last season’s MLB Draft, Kam Misner might not get the accolades he deserves. Most of the press clippings have been about JJ Bleday and how he is expected to be the next great hitter in the Marlins lineup while Misner, the team’s second pick last season, has begun to develop into a solid player and potential budding star.

National media and minor league analysts rave about how the Marlins have set themselves up well for the future with young arms. The franchise has also begun to stockpile outfielders with power and the ability to play solid defense in their minor league system. The need for better hitters is evident on the Major League level, but down on the farm, scouts and other organizations are starting to take notice.

It starts with Bleday, but in many opinions, Misner may not be that far behind.

“There is a lot to like about Misner, taken 35th overall by Miami in the Competitive Balance Round A portion of the Draft,” writes Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. “A left-handed hitting outfielder from the University of Missouri, Misner has above-average bat speed and makes solid contact. He also has a swing that doesn’t need much tinkering with.”

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The Marlins added Jesus Sanchez at the MLB Trade Deadline from Tampa Bay and have Monte Harrison knocking on the door to the Majors as well. Spring Training is going to be exciting just to be able to see what the Marlins do with their outfield slots.

Bleday and Misner are nowhere near ready to make that kind of jump, but they will be two players to watch closely.

“Misner, ranked the club’s No. 9 prospect by MLB Pipeline, can play all three outfield positions and first base, making him highly versatile,” Frisaro added. “After signing, he started off with eight games in rookie ball in the Gulf Coast League, and then played in 34 games at Class A Clinton, hitting .270/.388/.362 with two home runs, 20 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 34 games. He has speed, shown by his eight stolen bases.”

Derek Jeter made a concerted effort to change the narrative this past season in terms of making moves to the future roster of this franchise. In his first season, it was all about adding arms with potential for a rotation that could dominate in the future. He did that through controversial trades – there is no need to rehash those decisions. Now, he has turned his attention adding players who will make an impact every day on the field.

Misner was a player the Marlins may have “stolen” this past season.

“As his pro career progresses, pay attention to his strikeout rate. Misner struck out 22.2 percent of the time and walked 13.3 percent at Clinton. If he makes consistent contact, he can move quickly through the system. He turns 22 in January and probably will open 2020 at Class A Advanced Jupiter,” Frisaro wrote.