As the hot stove rages on and the shortened MLB spring training draws nearer, the Marlins are still expected to make some moves to fill holes at center field and in the bullpen, whether it be through free agency or through trade. One name any potential deal will not involve is 18-year-old star prospect Eury Perez.
On Sunday afternoon, Marlins insider Craig Mish put all Perez fans’ minds at ease by breaking the news: Perez will not be going anywhere.
Perez was discovered by the Marlins via ex-international scouting director Fernando Seguignol as part of the 2019-20 international signing class. A combination of size and stuff, the 6’8”, 200 pound specimen with plenty of room for more physical projection, has quickly made his name known and taken the system by storm.
Despite being innings limited by the organization and never throwing past the fifth inning in any of his starts, Perez overmatched competition at two levels despite being at least four years older than his league average competition. After holding down the lowest ERA (1.61) and an 82/21 K/BB across 56 Low A Southeast innings, Perez was promoted to A+ Beloit. Eury began his A+ tenure by disallowing an earned run across five innings of work. His overall line with Beloit: 22 IP, 2.88 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 26/5 K/BB.
Scouts and talent evaluators alike are all in on Perez’s very high floor and even higher ceiling. A free and easy thrower who repeats smooth mechanics and shortens the distance to the plate as well as anyone, Perez is already easily sitting 96-97 with the ability to hold his velo through all five innings he has pitched. He throws the fastball with conviction in all four quadrants and with purpose outside of the zone for whiffs, particularly climbing the ladder from his short and high arm slot. Eury separates velocity by throwing a 78-83 mph power curve/slurve with sharp break down to his spot which he hits consistently on both sides of the plate. He can play with the shape of the pitch and also bend it outside of the strikezone and garner regular chases. Perez also owns the beginnings of a high 80s changeup that flashes plus. With general manager Kim Ng tentatively looking on, Perez threw two innings against mostly AA talent this past Saturday. After allowing a run early in the 1st, Perez came back to strike out the side. He did so again in his second inning of work before departing.
According to Mish’s report, he believes Perez could make his debut at age 19. Eury will turn 19 on April 15th, meaning he is projected to make his MLB debut by Opening Day 2023.
Not since Jose Fernandez has the Marlins’ system seen anything like Eury Perez. A potential big leaguer after as little as 1 1/2 years in the minors, Perez is more than deserved of immovability. The fact that he has been deemed the only untouchable prospect in the organization should solidify his status as the team’s number one overall prospect.
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