Marlins Prospect Watch: Checking in With the 2016 Draft Class

22nd Round RHP Alejandro Mateo

Alejandro Mateo, from Hialeah, FL, is a six-foot-two right-handed relief pitcher out of Nova Southeast. Since joining the Marlins system, he’s played from the rookie-level up to Double-A. In 119 games, he’s gone 10-18 with four saves and a 3.98 ERA. He’s struck out 278 in 260 2/3 innings in total, racking up a 1.29 WHIP. He’s still listed as part of the Jumbo Shrimp, but could as easily begin the season in the Wind Surge bullpen.

26th Round C Gunner Pollman

A six-foot-two catcher from West Linn, OR, Gunner Pollman was chosen by Miami out of Sacramento State. Pollman missed the entire 2018 season, and in 2019, went two-for-14 for the Muckdogs. He’s still listed on Batavia’s roster.

More from Marlins Draft

• Miami Marlins draft retrospective: 2003
• Miami Marlins draft retrospective: 2002
• Meet the 2022 Miami Marlins Draft Picks
• Miami Marlins draft preview: Brooks Lee
• Miami Marlins draft preview: Jackson Holliday

27th Round RHP Parker Bugg

Parker Bugg has played at the five highest Marlins minor league affiliates since getting picked in 2016. In 115 games, including only one start, he’s 9-9 with a 4.30 ERA. He’s collected 218 strikeouts in 190 2/3 innings, and held the opposition to a 1.12 WHIP over an adequate sample size. He’s currently listed as part of the Wind Surge bullpen, but could challenge for a spot on the Marlins with a strong Spring Training.

So that’s 11 prospects who remain on the Marlins out of their 2016 draft class. Garrett, Jones, Reynolds, Reed, Bird, Lee, Smith, Beggs, Mateo, Pollman, and Bugg all still hold onto a chance to someday make it to the majors as part of the Miami Marlins. My money is on Garrett for starters, and possibly Beggs and Lee at some point in this campaign.

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