Miami Marlins top ten prospects for 2020

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 07: Sixto Sanchez #45 of the National League Futures Team pitches during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on July 7, 2019 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 07: Sixto Sanchez #45 of the National League Futures Team pitches during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on July 7, 2019 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
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Miami Marlins
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8. Edward Cabrera

Minors (A+, AA): 96.1 innings, 9-4 record, 2.23 ERA, 0.993 WHiP, 31 walks, 116 strikeouts

The Miami Marlins have been cautious with Edward Cabrera, and for good reason.

It is possible that Cabrera has the most upside of any pitcher in the Marlins system. He has an electric fastball that sits in the upper 90s and can touch 100 MPH. His slider can be an effective strikeout pitch, but it can occasionally become more of a curve depending on how he throws it, but the pitch can also be very inconsistent at times. Cabrera is also developing a change that shows the potential to be at least an average offering, with the possibility of more as he continues to refine the pitch.

Given his pure stuff, the Marlins have been careful since he signed as an international free agent in 2015. Cabrera has slowly climbed the ladder, with Miami being careful not to overtax his arm. His 100.1 innings in 2018 mark the most he has thrown as a professional, as he has yet to be truly unleashed.

In a way, that cautious approach may be hindering Cabrera. His secondary pitches need to be refined, as does the command of his arsenal. If he can be more consistent with his secondary pitches, Cabrera could become a solid second starter. Otherwise, he could slot in as a late inning reliever, a future closer or eighth inning arm.

Edward Cabrera may have the most potential of any of the Miami Marlins minor league pitchers. But he still has a lot of work to reach that ceiling.