Miami Marlins: Why RHP Prospect Zach McCambley is a Name to Remember

When looking at the Miami Marlins top prospects, it’s easy to get excited about guys in Pensacola and Jacksonville, but one name you should be aware of is creating buzz elsewhere.

Zach McCambley of the Miami Marlins Advanced A-affiliate Beloit Snappers made his professional debut on May 4 after being drafted in the third round (75th overall) in 2020.

The 6’2, 22-year-old right-hander from Coastal Carolina came into the 2021 season as the Marlins No. 23 overall prospect, bringing high expectations and a lot of hype surrounding Beloit’s pitching staff that also features names like Kyle Nicolas and Alberto Guerrero.

With a fastball registering in the middle to upper 90s, a painted changeup, and arguably one of the best curveballs in the 2020 draft class, McCambley has solidified himself as the Snappers ace, at least for the time being.

Miami Marlins RHP prospect Zach McCambley has impressed from day one.

McCambley received a non-roster invite to spring training in February of 2021, one of only 25 to do so and the youngest pitcher to receive an invite.

He impressed in his pro debut, striking out 7 Timber Rattlers over 4 IP and allowed just 2 ER on 2 H and 2 BB.

One week later on May 11, McCambley catapulted himself to the top of the list of names you should know when he delivered 7 perfect innings against the South Bend Cubs and struck out 8 before skipper Mike Jacobs decided to make the call to the bullpen.

The outing caught the attention of many and earned McCambley Minor League Player of the Week honors.

McCambley has since made one more start since his perfect outing. After not allowing a base runner in his previous start, McCambley regressed slightly allowing 4 ER over 6 IP against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on May 18, with all 4 runs coming off solo home runs. McCambley did strike out 6 Kernels in the loss, bringing his season total to 21.

His current stat line in the young 2021 season displays a 1-2 record through 3 appearances and 17 IP with an ERA of 3.18 and a 0.82 WHIP.

Despite being credited with two losses, McCambley has positioned himself as a pristine name in all of minor league baseball and a name to watch as he progresses throughout the Miami Marlins system.

Just this week Baseball America ranked McCambley No. 17 in their list of 20 hottest prospects from the previous week. McCambley is scheduled to take the mound again early next week when the Snappers return home for a six game series with Peoria.

If his first three starts are any indication of McCambley’s professional career, he will be a name Marlins fans get to know and love for years to come.