Max Meyer is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. The 23-year-old will make his major league debut with the Miami Marlins on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Miami’s No. 2 prospect is now on the 40-mam roster with an open spot. In 12 starts in Triple-A Jacksonville, he posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 58 innings. Across his first six outings, the right got off to a hot start, recording a 1.72 ERA with 39 strikeouts, and nine walks in over 31 1/3 innings in his first six outings. The strong performances were followed up with a stint on the IL due to ulnar nerve irritation. Meyer returned a month later as he continued his dominant season.
Miami selected the University of Minnesota product third overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. His slider was considered the best pitch in his class. His fastball sits at 92-95 mph and reaches 100mph. After battling the strikeout in his first two months of professional baseball, Meyer found confidence in trusting his stuff more. Meyer’s fastball use has increased with better results throughout this season as his location is better. Despite Miami having open spots on the rotation, they didn’t rush Meyer in his development.
Meyer’s first professional season saw him pitch in the All-Star Futures and the Most Outstanding Pitcher honors in Double-A South. In 20 starts, he compiled a 2.41 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 101 innings. Meyer’s successful campaign earned him a two-start stint in Triple-A before the season ended.
The Marlins are on the hunt for the NL Wild Card race. Entering the final weekend of the first half, they sit three games back of the last Wild Card spot. It won’t be surprising if Meyer makes more than one start through the rotation after Saturday’s start, especially if Edward Cabrera is unable to return after the All-Star break.
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