Marlins prospect may not start the season in the starting rotation

While there is plenty to like about Nick Neidert and his potential, he may still have to wait his turn to crack the Marlins starting rotation in 2020.

As much as I want to see Miami Marlins pitching prospect Nick Neidert make the team’s starting rotation out of Spring Training, myself and the rest of Marlins Nation may have to wait and see if an injury or a lack of production from one of the veterans opens the door for a move to the starting five in 2020.

The Marlins have set themselves up well for the future with the next wave of young starters to come through their farm system. Finding a place for every arm will take time and patience, something fans have had plenty of over the years. It’s almost guaranteed that at some point, the front office will make a deal to part with some of these arms. But for now, Neidert and the others will wait their turn to show that they can do in Majors.

The question of Neidert’s arrival was asked in Joe Frisaro’s most recent “In Box” feature on MLB.com. He wasn’t ready to anoint the youngster the fifth man in the rotation just yet.

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"“No, I don’t see a leap that quickly for Neidert, who missed most of last year due to a right meniscus tear,” he writes. “The 23-year-old is Miami’s No. 11 prospect, and he projects to be part of Triple-A Wichita’s rotation, along with top prospect Sixto Sanchez, Edward Cabrera and [Jorge] Guzman. But I do believe Neidert is closer to being big league ready than those other three. So. don’t be surprised if he is the first starter called up from Triple-A, should he not win a rotation spot.”"

The thought of the four best pitching prospects assembled in Wichita to start the season has to make my colleague here at Marlin Maniac, Kevin Kraczkowski, extremely excited.

There is no set order as to which prospect would get the first call to the parent club, but most indications are it would be Neidert based on experience and readiness. His performance in camp last year surprised many and there was some belief he could have won a spot on the roster last March. The injury situation is one the Marlins will need to continue to monitor, making sure Neidert is not pushing too hard and it continues to not affect his ability on the mound.

A part of the trade with the Seattle Mariners that sent second baseman Dee Gordon west. Neidert proved he could be a dominant force in the Marlins system. According to his scouting report on MLB.com, there is plenty to like about his command on the bump.

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"“In his first season in his new organization, he was Miami’s Minor League pitcher of the year and topped the Double-A Southern League in wins (12) and innings pitched (152 2/3),” it states.“More mature and poised than a typical 22-year-old, Neidert is the most polished pitcher in the organization. He’s not flashy but his 92-95 mph fastball plays up because it has late movement and he commands it well. His plus changeup is his best pitch and his curveball flashes above-average potential.”"

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