5 prospects who can help the Miami Marlins in 2019

1. OF Monte Harrison

The No. 2 prospect in the Marlins system heading into 2018 (according to MLB.com), Monte Harrison came in at No. 3 this year. After hitting 21 home runs and stealing 27 bases in the Brewers’ system in 2017, he hit 19 homers with 28 steals at Double-A in Miami’s system last year. But he also led the Minor Leagues with 215 strikeouts in 2018, so more contact is a prerequisite for a final push to being a capable Major League hitter.

In a small sample in the Arizona Fall League last year, Harrison reduced his strikeout rate by over 13 percent (23.4 percent) compared to his full season showing (36.8 percent). His strikeout rate has spiked back up for Triple-A New Orleans so far this year (32.5 percent, 25 strikeouts over 77 plate appearances), but Harrison is hitting .308/.416/.569 with four home runs, nine RBI and three stolen bases.

Harrison has played all three outfield positions in his Minor League career, but he has made 14 of 15 starts in center field so far in 2019. That appears to be his future position, with good enough range and an upper-echelon throwing arm (70 on the scouting scale).

Lewis Brinson has a hit in three of his last four games entering action on April 30. But if he continues to scuffle at the plate (.197, 28 strikeouts and just two walks), a demotion has to be on the radar. Harrison could easily be the corresponding move, coming up from Triple-A for his first run in the big leagues.

Brinson was demoted to Triple-A on Tuesday, as 1B/OF Garrett Cooper was activated off the IL. Isaac Galloway (.235 in 34 at-bats entering Tuesday) is in line to become something close to the every day center fielder for Miami, at least until Brinson gets on a good track, but the calls for Harrison should start quickly.

Other prospects who could help the Marlins this year: RHP Nick Neidert, LHP Jose Quijada, RHP Jeff Brigham, RHP Tommy Eveld, RHP Riley Ferrell, OF Brian Miller