Getting To Know: First Round Pick Trevor Rogers

Trevor Rogers is a 6’6” left handed pitcher from Carlsbad, New Mexico, and the newest first round pick of the Miami Marlins. He was MLB.COM’s 25th rated prospect going into the draft, going one pick after 12th ranked RHP Shane Baz went to the Pirates and one pick before 13th ranked first baseman Nick Pratto went to the Royals.

Baz is likely going to pass on the large bonus in order to honor his commitment to the Texas-Christian University Horned Frogs, whereas Rogers is highly likely to sign with the Marlins. A suggested slot of $3.8 million will have that effect on a 19-year-old.

Rogers threw three no-hitters in his senior season at Carlsbad High School, and relies on an effortless 93-95 MPH fastball, possibly projecting to 98 as he fills out his lithe 185 lb. frame. He also has a hard curve which lacks consistency but should round out in time. For Carlsbad, he posted an 11-0 record with 134 whiffs and a 0.33 ERA.

Rogers was a first-team All-American for this past season.

Rogers said that he tries to fashion his game after notable left-hander Randy Johnson, although he admits he’s not quite that tall. I want to remind you all that he may not be done growing yet.

Other notable left-handed pitchers to be selected 13th overall include Frank Tanana (1971, career WAR 57.9), Mark Redman (1995, 9.5), Donovan Osborne (1990, 5.7) and Chris Sale (2010, 33.7 and counting). The player with the highest career WAR selected at the 13th slot is third baseman Manny Ramirez (1991), with a mark of 69.2. Catcher Paul Konerko (1994, 27.6), shortstop Garry Templeton (1974, 27.6), right-hander Gary Nolan (1966, 25.9), shortstop Aaron Hill (2003, 24.4), shortstop Bill Spiers (1987, 10.3), shortstop Khalil Greene (2002, 8.4), and first baseman Casey Kotchman (2001, 7.5) were also selected with the 13th overall selection.

For Rogers’ part, it seems likely that he’ll soon ink a contract with the Fish.

Miami’s first overall selection last season, number seven overall pick, Braxton Garrett, did not appear in a professional game until 11 months after the 2016 draft. This was due in no small part to caution on the part of the Marlins, who didn’t want to see yet another first round pitcher blow out his throwing arm and require Tommy John surgery so early in their career. Notably, Tyler Kolek, Miami’s first selection in 2014 succumbed to such a fate. Miami’s caution really didn’t do very much good, however, as Garrett is likely to undergo the procedure anyway, after just four minor league starts.

The possibilities are endless with Rogers, who projects as a number-two starter with a few years of seasoning in the Marlins minor league system. If signed, expect to see him with either the GCL Marlins or the New York-Penn League Batavia Muckdogs in the next few weeks. Although, if last season is any indication, he may not appear at all until next season around this time.