Why Peyton Burdick of the Miami Marlins is highly rated

The Miami Marlins have stockpiled draft picks after winning only a combined 120 games with 213 losses in 2018 and 2019. Improving to 31-29 in the shortened 2020 seasons, the Marlins appear to be on the rise. According to MLB lines, one of the draft picks looking to make an impact in the not-too-distant future is 23-year-old Peyton Burdick, who was drafted out of Wright State in the third round in 2019.

Burdick hit .289 with four home runs and 31 RBI for Wright State as a 19-year-old in 2016. He improved his power production and batting average the following season, hitting .347 with 19 doubles and nine home runs. Burdick dominated in 2019, really turning heads of pro scouts. In 214 at-bats, Burdick hit .407 with 18 doubles, 15 home runs, 72 RBI, 24 stolen bases and 60 walks and an amazing 1.267 OPS.

After only 69 games played in 2019, Burdick expected last season to be better and help separate himself from others in the organization at the minor-league level. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cancelling the minor-league schedule.

Ranked the Marlins’ 16th best prospect, Burdick went through the Marlins instructional league for a month and a half that began late September. He more than made the most of the opportunity, increasing his position among prospects. In fact, Burdick was named top Marlins’ instructional league performer by Baseball America. The ranking was based off members of the front office, scouts, and coaches.

A power physical specimen at 6’ and 205 pounds, Burdick impressed in 2019 with a .308 average with 20 doubles, 11 home runs and 64 RBI. In the instructional league Burdick impressed with his improved strength, overall hitting ability and power. There is a good indication that down the road he will be a solid regular corner outfielder at the Major League level.

One impressive aspect of Burdick’s offensive game is that despite taking big swings, he doesn’t strike out at an alarming rate and shows discipline. Not a speedster, Burdick is a smart base runner and moves sufficiently well for his size.

A hard-working young man, Burdick now has a plan in place to improve his fundamentals and set goals for the upcoming 2021 season. He realizes that despite all the differences going from college to professional baseball in terms of coaching differences and getting to know new people, it all comes down to playing ball. He will concentrate on competing to the best of his ability. For the Marlins, that likely means a shot at the Major Leagues sometime during the 2022 season.