FanPost: Rule 5 Draft Targets: Batters

Interested in submitting your own FanPosts? Leave a comment on this article with your preferred email address and we will set things up!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Despite some reports from major league scouts (Kevin Barral’s on X), Miami’s minor league player of the year Troy Johnston will probably be gone in two weeks after he was left unprotected for the coming Rule 5 draft to be held on Dec. 6th. The Marlins will still need good offensive players, preferably those who can play 1B and OF. Would be a plus if is a left-handed bat who can also come off the bench.

After hearing what Mr. Bendix has said so far since joining the Front Office, and more importantly, Skip Schumaker’s interview with the Fish On First staff a couple of days ago, there is little doubt about this team will continue to have a limited budget, or as they call it “maximise the dollar value” or “this is just who we are."

The current Miami Marlins 40-man roster has 37 players, which leaves room for scooping some hidden gems. Over the last five Rule 5 drafts (2021 was cancelled), Miami has picked up 6 players, and despite results hasn’t been exceptional, players like Elieser Hernandez or Zach Pop (acquired via trade right after drafted by ARI) outperformed everyone’s expectations. At the minor league phase of the draft, Miami has also selected decent players such as Dane Myers and Charles Leblanc.

Let’s now have a look at a handful of offensive players who can make sense to be added to the roster. Looking at the numbers only, Johnston stands out as one of the best players unprotected, which leaves not many options for who can be more impactful than him in the upcoming season.

Chris Williams (AAA, MIN)–Has an interesting profile with strengths and glaring weaknesses. Last season he was mainly at 1B (60 games) but also caught 215 innings (25 games) for St. Paul, where nailed 6 base-stealers out of 35 (17%). His stats suggest power (.259 ISO and 21 HR) and patience (13.4% BB), but also tons of K's (32.4%). Williams has nothing else to prove in AAA, helping with some depth in the already thin catching position.

Tristin English (AAA, ARI)–Another not-young, versatile, right-handed power bat able to play 1B, corner OFs and has previous experience at 3B. English had a fine all-around season for Reno (.894 OPS/114 wRC+) with better-than-average walking and K rates. A back up plan for Bryan De La Cruz and Josh Bell in case of an injury but can also be a solid bench piece.

Max Schuemann (AAA, OAK)–The highly offensive environment at the PCL sometimes makes you wonder if a player is legit, especially if a needy team like Oakland kept him the entire year in Las Vegas despite his good general numbers. Max had a nice .831 OPS/109 wRC+ while playing mainly CF and LF, he can play SS on a pinch.

Tirso Ornelas (AAA, SD)–The Tijuana native is a left-handed bat who can play both OF corners. He is more or less the same type of player as DLC but with less power, though he’s still 23 and scouts grade him as 55 raw power prospect (20-80 scale). Ornelas makes good contact (.348 BABIP), has oppo power and good BB and K rates. He was named one of the Padres’ organisation All- Stars.

Trenton Brooks (AAA, SF)–Another left-handed corner OF option who can play 1B. Brooks is the closest to Johnston you'll find at this year’s draft. He is already 28 years old and has played in AAA over the last 3 seasons, which might be a red flag. Both BB and K rates have been 14-18% since 2021 and this season launched 23 HR in 523 PAs between Las Vegas and Sacramento.

There are some pitchers, both relievers and starters, who can be interesting additions to the team but improving the current lineup is the most important goal today. Nevertheless, next Friday’s post will cover some names for that matter.

There is little indication that the Marlins will actually select any pieces for the major league roster, but with some open roster spots, at least one addition can make sense.

Which target(s) looks better to join the big-league team? Maybe a name or two are missing here? Please comment!

Photo courtesy of maxschuemann/Instagram