Reds vs. Marlins: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 19: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds bases after hitting a tree-run home run. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 19: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds bases after hitting a tree-run home run. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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Edward Cabrera #79 of the Miami Marlins reacts to a double play during the sixth inning. The Reds play the Marlins this weekend.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 25: Edward Cabrera #79 of the Miami Marlins reacts to a double play during the sixth inning. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Marlins farm system is loaded with talent.

Even though the results on the diamond have offered very little excitement for Miami fans during the 2021 season, team president Derek Jeter and general manager Kim Ng have the Marlins pointed in the right direction. As a matter of fact, a big part of that future arrived this week at LoanDepot Park.

Right-hander Edward Cabrera, the Marlins No. 2 ranked prospect and No. 5 right-handed pitching prospect overall, right behind the Reds’ Hunter Greene, was solid in his MLB debut Wednesday night versus the Nationals. Tossing 6.1 innings, he allowed three runs on four hits while picking up the victory.

There’s more in the Marlins pipeline behind the 23-year-old Cabrera. Heading into the 2021 campaign, MLB.com ranked the Miami farm system as the best overall in the NL and the fourth-best in the game.

Currently, the Marlins have six players ranked among the top 100 prospects in baseball. According to MLB.com, a trio of pitchers could join Cabrera on the major league staff next year. Right-handers Max Meyer and Sixto Sanchez, as well as southpaw Jake Eder, are all projected to be in The Show in 2022.

Give the Marlins front office credit. A franchise that had arguably the worst farm system in the game as recently as 2018 has loaded up on quality prospects due to shrewd trades and strong draft classes. It may be a couple of seasons before the results translate at the big league level, but don’t be surprised to see the Miami bandwagon becoming quite full soon.

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