Marlins pick up three minor-leaguers in Rule 5 Draft

The Marlins made three selections in the minor league version of Friday’s Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings.

With the Marlins’ top target in the MLB Rule 5 Draft, right-handed pitcher Justin Haley, coming off the board before their 14th pick, the organization decided to pass on the MLB part of the draft.

In terms of the minor league part, the day started for the Marlins with the loss of right-handed pitching prospect Jose Adames to the Reds. The 23-year-old spent the 2016 season with single-a Greensboro and high-a Jupiter where he combined to post a 6.38 ERA in 48 innings. Adames is known for a fastball that can touch 100 miles per hour, but has also had arm injuries.

Here’s a little video of the heat that the Reds are getting and that the Marlins are giving up.

The Marlins then started their selections with the pick of Angels triple-a outfielder Cal Towey. Towey slashed .264/.376/.436 with 13 home runs and 20 doubles between double-a and triple-a with the Angels in 2016. Towey has also shown the ability to steal bases over his minor league career, swiping 14 bags last season and 59 since 2013.

Here’s a grand slam Towey hit back in his college days at Baylor. Oh baby, look at that smooth swing.

Miami’s next pick in the triple-a part of the draft was left-handed pitcher Nick Maronde, who they drafted out of the Indians’ organization. Maronde made two starts and 36 appearances out of the bullpen between double-a and triple-a in 2016, in which he pitched to a 3.19 ERA and a 2.79 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 48 innings. The 27-year-old lefty also racked up 17 ²⁄₃ innings in the big leagues from 2012 to 2014 with the Angels, where he struggled, posting a 7.13 ERA and 2.264 WHIP.

Check out Maronde recording a strikeout in the Arizona Fall League two years ago.

The Marlins’ final pick on Friday was Alex Yarbrough, a second baseman who was taken from the Angels’ organization. Yarbrough slashed .265/.304/.366 with 33 doubles and 55 RBIs between double-a and triple-a in 2016. The 25-year-old has a good bat and a solid glove, but he only walked 32 times in last season. That number will need to go up if he wants his chance in the majors.

Here’s the doubles machine doubling again in 2015.

Out of the three selections, Nick Maronde probably has the best chance to make it to the major leagues. He has some big-league experience already and every team is always looking for left-handed relief pitching, especially the Marlins.