Miami Marlins top prospect waits to show MLB his dominant arm

When will Miami Marlins pitching prospect make his Major League debut? Better yet, when will he prove he is the team’s ace of the future?

The best thing in the Miami Marlins have been able to do with their top minor-league prospects is to learn the value of patience. As they have asked fans to be patient with the progression of this organization, so too have the front office and coaching staff in moving top prospects through the minor league system.

Since 2018, when Derek Jeter took over as CEO of the team, the one thing he has preached is a successful minor-league system that will lead to a successful Marlins organization. It’s worked so far in theory but has yet to work in practice.

Maybe this is finally the year it all comes together.

By the same virtue, the team’s top prospect, Sixto Sanchez is patiently waiting his turn to make a lasting impression on the Marlins and their fan base. And the fans are waiting to see if all the rumors and news over the Internet is true.

Can Sanchez, the prized offering from the J.T. Realmuto deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, become the phenom the Marlins deserve?

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"“Miami Marlins fans are going to love watching this kid pitch the next few years,” Gary Denbo, the team’s vice president of player development and scouting, said via The Palm Beach Post.”"

The next few years? How about a career-long future with the team? The turnover with the Marlins roster should warrant the belief that Sanchez, whose fastball touches 100-mph – I have seen it in person at Double-A Jacksonville – remain with the team as long as possible because a rebuild means nothing if top prospects come and go.

Sorry about the rant. I had to get that off my chest.

There is plenty to like about the arms in waiting in the minors for Miami, starting with Sanchez, moving on to Nick Neidert and Edward Cabrera. Those are the first three on the list, but then take into account Jorge Guzman, Trevor Rogers, and Braxton Garrett. The front office should be salivating over its accomplishments.

Remember as well, Cabrera, Rogers, and Garrett are holdovers from the team’s former ownership group.

It’s a good place to start. Now, Sanchez comes to Jupiter for Spring Training knowing he will make his Major League debut at some point this season. It’s not a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” that happens.

"“Yeah, that’s my goal: to make it to the major leagues,” Sanchez said through a translator. “Just go day-to-day. I feel good and I’m ready to work.“I feel a lot of pride (being Miami’s top prospect), but I don’t think about it. All I have to think (about) is how to do my work and do my job.”"

Everything must fall into place, first. There is still the matter of the fifth starter and who steps into that role. Sanchez and Neidert could be in a battle to grab the position, but other veterans are in the mix as well. It’s a strong possibility both arms, along with Cabrera and Guzman, will start the season at Triple-A Wichita.

Imagine a rotation like that? Hitters will have a chance to see it up close and personal.

Sanchez is still a work in progress as the front office, including Denbo, watch him go through the paces at the team’s facility in Jupiter. There are mechanics he must refine. But the potential to be the team’s ace, teaming with Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith as a 1-2-3 combination is worth the wait.

"“He’s still got things to improve to pitch at a championship level, like we want him to be at when he arrives in Miami,” Denbo said. “We’ll see how quickly that happens, and that will determine when he arrives. (Then) our fans get to see one of the best young starting pitchers in baseball.”"