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12 Days of Prospects: Day 9, Eury Perez

Dominic Gutierrez / MLB / December 9, 2022

12 Days of Prospects: Day 9, Eury Perez

Day 9 takes us to the Miami Marlins organization. 19-year-old Eury Perez is the Marlins’ No. 1 prospect and is only the second pitcher in the top-12. Perez is also the first Marlin to appear on the list.

The Numbers

Scouting grades on 20-80 scale:

Fastball: 65
Curveball: 55
Changeup: 60
Control: 55
Overall: 60

Perez signed with the Marlins back in 2019 and has worked his way up to Double-A so far. He pitched in 17 games there this year, providing a 4.08 ERA and an incredible 106 strikeouts in 75 innings. Perez also reached triple-digits in strikeouts in 2021 with 108. Obviously, the strikeout numbers are more than advanced, with a K/9 at 12.9 in 2022. His 2.9 BB/9 is something to work on, but where Perez is at is well advanced than most other 19 year olds.

The Potential

Right off the bat, the size is astounding. Perez stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 220 pounds. His fastball was around the mid-80s when he first signed, and in a little over two years he’s gotten his fastball to touch 98 mph. Because of his long, lean frame, there’s the possibility that Perez will add more velocity. Alongside a power fastball, his mid-80s changeup and upper-70s curveball offer an electric trio for the righty to go to.

For his size, Perez surprisingly produces his stuff with a smooth delivery. Many tall pitchers struggle to be in sync, but it’s been no issue for Perez as his delivery looks effortless. Perez already has great mound presence and maturity and has been said to excel when facing older competition.

The Verdict

Being 19 years old and having an ETA of 2023 is something special. The Marlins have a plethora of young pitching talent. Max Meyer, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett, Sixto Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo are just some of the Marlins’ top pitchers who are 25 or younger. They’ll be plenty of competition, but Perez has put himself atop as a lock for the Marlins’ rotation.

Since he just started Double-A in 2022, the chances of a 2023 debut are slim. The last thing the Marlins want to do is rush their number-one prospect, and again Perez is only 19. The maturity and development have been strong, it just needs more time to grow. Rest assured Marlin fans, Perez will be dominating the majors by 2024.