Miami Marlins send eight prospects to Arizona Fall League
MIAMI, Fla. (BVM) – The Miami Marlins have put their faith in eight players to produce in the Arizona Fall League this season, three of which fall in the club’s top 30 list. Set to compete among the top prospects from each Major League club for a six-week schedule, fall ball is the chance for these minor leaguers to prove their worth. Let’s take a look at the Miami hopefuls of 2021.
JJ Bleday, OF
Drafted fourth-overall in the 2019 draft, Bleday is Miami’s No. 7 prospect and MLB’s No. 71 prospect overall. A Florida native, the two-way prep prospect attended Vanderbilt and earned notoriety with his disciplined approach at the plate and strong left-handed swing. Named the top prospect of the Cape Cod League in 2018, Bleday led the commodores to a College World Series victory and topped the NCAA Division I in home runs (27) and total bases (192). In 2020, he slashed .121/.323/.373 with 12 homers and 54 RBIs in Double-A. Bleday is one of the must-watch prospects of the 2021 AFL.
Kameron Misner, OF
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 218 pounds, Misner’s monster frame is an unusual but impressive combination for the former first-round outfielder. The outfielder sits as the No. 22 prospect on the Marlin’s list for 2021 and is focused on arm strength and batting consistency. Able to use his massive leverage at the plate, Misner slashed .253/.355/.433 last season in High-A and Double-A with 12 home runs and 59 RBI. His size, speed and base stealing abilities are sure to be on display in the weeks to come.
Evan Fitterer, RHP
Slated as one of the top pitchers of the 2019 draft class, Fitterer went to Miami in the fifth round after his commitment to UCLA dropped him in the ranks. He posted a 2.38 ERA his rookie season and currently owns a 4.15 ERA through 30.1 innings with the FCL Marlins and Low-A Jupiter. Fitterer has a clean 91-93mph fastball and an upper-70s curve with good shape that he delivers consistently through the strike zone.
Troy Johnston, OF
Johnston was drafted by the Marlins in the 2019 draft and has recorded impressive numbers since. The Gonzaga alum has a minor league career batting average of .292 with 18 home runs. This season, Johnston slashed .300/.399/.468 and recorded 15 homers and 85 RBI. With 66 runs scored and six stolen bases in 2021, Johnston earned his Arizona spot handily.
Will Banfield, C
The 21-year-old was drafted to the Marlins in 2018 and is known for his defense and powerful arm, though he had a breakout season at the plate. Banfield earned his trip to the AFL after he notched a .567 OPS and recorded six home runs and 42 RBIs through 67 games in the 2021 season. This dual-threat catcher has thrown out 39 runners trying to steal through his minor league career.
Justin Evans, RHP
Evans was drafted by the Marlins in 2018 but saw no playing time until 2021 due to injuries. During his most recent stint with Double-A Pensacola, the righty gave up only four earned runs and a single homer. Through the entire 2021 season, Evans made 34 relief appearances and posted a combined 6.40 ERA through 45 innings.
Josh Simpson, LHP
Simpson was drafted in 2019 and has made 19 appearances between the FCL Marlins and High-A Beloit this season. His rookie season, Simpson posted a 2.35 ERA through 23 innings with 25 strikeouts. The lefty had four saves on the season in High-A Beloit and owned a 5.61 ERA across 43.1 innings with 58 strikeouts.
Jefry Yan, LHP
Yan appeared in 31 innings with Low-A Jupiter and Double-A Pensacola this season for a combined 2.61 ERA. A force on the mound in the Dominican Summer League before he signed with Miami, Yan allowed just two home runs in 2021 through 31 innings pitched and struck out 41.
