5 prospects who can help the Miami Marlins in 2019

4. RHP Sixto Sanchez

Sanchez was the centerpiece of Miami’s return from the Phillies in the J.T. Realmuto trade, and at No. 26 on MLB.com’s 2019 prospect rankings he instantly became the No. 1 prospect in the Marlins’ system. Over 221.1 Minor League innings, though none above High-A ball, Sanchez has a 2.48 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and 191:43 K/BB ratio.

Elbow inflammation led to a disabled list stint last June, and after he resumed throwing a collarbone injury shut him down for the season and led to him skipping the Arizona Fall League.

Sanchez has yet to pitch outside of extended Spring Training this season, but according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com he is set to pitch somewhere by the end of the week (May 2). That 2019 debut outing may come with High-A Jupiter, or Double-A Jacksonville, with the latter team Sanchez’ ultimate destination for a longer run of pitching.

On the 20-80 scale scouts use, Sanchez’s fastball grades out at 75. His curveball and changeup are also regarded as above average. As a smaller pitcher with electric stuff, Sanchez has drawn comparisons to Pedro Martinez.

Whenever he ultimately lands at Double-A, assuming health, Sanchez could easily conquer that level, go to Triple-A and conquer that before landing in the Marlins’ rotation this season. Caution is the right word for Miami as they handle their top prospect, given his injury problems in 2018, but Sanchez could put himself on the fast track to the Majors.