Braxton Garrett

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #14 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Garrett was the Marlins’ first-round pick in 2016, then had Tommy John surgery midway through his 2017 season. He missed all of 2018 rehabbing before finally getting a full season’s worth of innings in 2019 between High-A and Double-A. He was at the Marlins’ alternate training site in 2020 and made his big league debut that September. In 2021, Garrett bounced back and forth between Triple-A and Miami.
  
  Scouting Report: Garrett’s stuff has diminished somewhat over the years. He still works with a four-pitch repertoire fronted by a low-90s fastball and buttressed primarily with a pair of breaking balls. His curveball sits in the mid 70s while his slider, which is the more frequently thrown of the two pitches, has an average velocity around 84 mph. The slider also shows above-average spin rate as well as other analytical characteristics that make it the superior breaking ball. Garrett’s changeup sits in the mid 80s and might be more effective with a touch more separation from his fastball.
  
  The Future: If Garrett is to stick in the big leagues, he’ll have to improve his control and command. He walked 5.3 hitters per nine innings in his time with the Marlins, and scouts think he might be better suited as a left-on-left reliever who relies heavily on his breaking pitches.
  
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #9 prospect in 2021
  Fastball: 50. Changeup: 50. Curveball: 60. Control: 55
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and went above slot to sign him for $4.1 million. His first season was cut short after he had Tommy John surgery, but he returned to the mound in 2019 and held up over 107 innings while climbing to Double-A. The Marlins added him to their 60-man player pool in 2020 and called him in September up for his first two major league starts.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Garrett’s arsenal is fronted by low-80s curveball with great depth that is considered the best in the Marlins’ system. It’s a swing-and-miss pitch that had immediate success in the majors and is a consensus plus offering. Garrett’s fastball previously averaged 92-95 mph but dipped to the 88-90 range in the majors, which led to the pitch getting crushed. He also throws an average changeup that is effective against righthanders. Garrett exhibits above-average control and command of all three pitches but had to nibble in the majors with his decreased velocity.
  THE FUTURE: Garrett’s velocity dip was concerning, but he had barely pitched in Double-A and needs more time in the minors. He is a candidate to land a spot on the back end of the rotation in the coming years.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #8 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and signed him for an above-slot deal north of $4.1 million. He made his pro debut in 2017 but made just four low Class A starts before having Tommy John surgery. After missing all of 2018, Garrett returned to the mound on April 9, striking out six batters and allowing only one run in four innings. In all, he threw 107 innings, struck out 119 batters and limited opponents to a .235 average in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Armed with one the best offspeed offerings in the Marlins' system, Garrett's true, north-to-south curveball is a plus, swing-andmiss pitch. He pairs his big breaker with a 92-95 mph fastball and an average, third-pitch changeup that flashes above-average potential. Garrett still has room to add strength, and he could increase his fastball velocity as he continues to build innings. He has a smooth delivery, and he showed the makings of above-average command despite his long layoff in which he pitched just 15.1 innings over a span of nearly three years.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garrett made a one-start cameo at Double-A Jacksonville at the end of 2019 and will return there in 2020. On a similar timeline to that of fellow first-round lefthander Trevor Rogers, Garrett could be a mid-rotation starter for the Marlins by late 2021 or early 2022.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #13 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Since being drafted by the Marlins with the No. 7 overall pick and signing for an above-slot $4,195,900 bonus in 2016, Garrett has completed just 15.1 professional innings in more than two and a half years. After not pitching professionally in his draft year, the Alabama native made just four starts for low Class A Greensboro in 2017 before having Tommy John surgery that June.
  
  Scouting Report: The highest-drafted prep pitcher out of Alabama since righthander Rick James (No. 6, Cubs) in 1965, Garrett's true, north-to-south curveball was considered one of the best offspeed offerings in the 2016 draft. In addition to his potentially plus curveball, Garrett has a low-90s fastball that was reportedly in the 92-93 mph range in the Marlins' fall instructional league once he returned to the mound post-surgery. Known for having at least above-average command coming into the 2016 draft, Garrett also has a third-pitch changeup that's shown late fading life in the past.
  
  The Future: Garrett should enter spring training with limited restrictions in 2019 as he looks to make his first professional appearance since May 2017. At 21 years old but with scant professional experience, Garrett could begin the season at low Class A Clinton before making his way to high Class A Jupiter.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #4 prospect in 2018
  The highest-drafted prep pitcher out of Alabama since righthander Rick James in 1965, Garrett went seventh overall in 2016 and signed for an above-slot deal worth $4,195,900 before the Marlins held him out for the rest of the year in anticipation for his pro-ball debut in 2017. Garrett made four starts at low Class A Greensboro in 2017 before having Tommy John Surgery in June. When healthy, his best pitch is a true north-to-south curveball, which was considered one of the best offspeed offerings in the 2016 draft class and features a hard, tight break. He commands both his high-70s curveball and his low-90s fastball well, while his changeup is coming along as a third pitch with late fade. Advanced command should help each of Garrett's three offerings continue to play up. Garrett will miss the entire 2018 season as he rehabs from surgery, which puts him on track to return in 2019, his age-21 season. Still, he projects to have three above-average or better pitches with above-average command, meaning, if he can return fully healthy, there still is a lot to recommend him as a potential No. 2 or 3 starter in the future.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #1 prospect in 2017
  For the second time in three years, the Marlins drafted a high school pitcher with their first-round pick. But unlike burly righthanded Texan Tyler Kolek--the No. 2 overall pick in 2014--the Alabama prep lefthander does not light up radar guns. His fastball sits in the low 90s compared with the high 90s where Kolek resides. Garrett has big-game experience, having helped USA Baseball's 18U team win the gold medal at the 2015 World Cup--which he called his favorite baseball experience--and then throwing a four-hit shutout at USA Baseball's National High School Invitational in March 2016. At No. 7 overall, Garrett was the highest-drafted Alabama prep player since shortstop Condredge Holloway of Lee High in Huntsville went fourth overall to the Expos in 1971 He was the highest-drafted Alabama prep pitcher since righty Rick James, drafted sixth overall in the first draft in 1965. Garrett, a Vanderbilt commit with a 3.8 grade-point average, was considered a tough sign and cost the Marlins $4,145,900, well above the $3,756,300 slot value. Garrett's pitch best is his 11-to-5 curveball, which has earned future plus grades for its tight spin and break. He also commands the pitch well by throwing it for strikes and as a chase pitch. He had just 15 walks in 65.1 innings with a 0.53 ERA and 131 strikeouts as a senior at Florence (Ala.) High, which earned him Gatorade player-of-the-year honors for the state of Alabama. Garrett's father Steve, who coached him in high school, taught him his curveball at age 13. Scouts said his curve was one of the best in the 2016 draft--just behind New Jersey prep lefthander Jason Groome, a Red Sox first-round pick--and rated him as having the best control of any pitcher in the class. Garrett's fastball sits 91-93 mph with late life. At 6-foot-3, he has the frame to add good weight, which could enable him to add velocity. He has worked the most on improving the arm speed on his changeup, and it shows some fade. He has a balanced, easy delivery that he repeats extremely well, allowing him to fill the zone with quality strikes. Garrett has worked with Marlins coaches on developing a between-starts routine for the more demanding pro throwing schedule. Garrett did not sign until the signing deadline on July 15. His late signing, combined with the Marlins' cautious approach, prevented the 19-year-old from taking a mound as a pro until instructional league, when he had three abbreviated outings. The Marlins say Garrett was not injured. Rather they were being cautious after his spring workload. He did travel with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League team. Evaluators believe Garrett could have three above-average pitches to go with at above-average command. Given his pitchability and age (he was old for the draft class), the Marlins could skip Garrett to full-season ball in 2017.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #10 prospect in 2016 draft
  Garrett has performed well on some big stages in the last year, helping Team USA win the gold medal at the 18U World Cup last fall and then throwing a four-hit shutout at USA Baseball's National High School Invitational in March. Garrett has the stuff to match his results. His curveball is his best pitch, earning easy plus grades for its tight spin and late 11-to-5 break. He is able to command his breaking ball, allowing him to throw it for strikes or make it a chase pitch to both righthanders and lefthanders. Garrett's fastball sits in the low 90s and his changeup shows excellent promise, giving him the potential for three above-average or better offerings. He has a balanced, easy delivery that he repeats extremely well, allowing him to fill the zone with quality strikes. Garrett is committed to Vanderbilt.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #76 prospect in 2017

• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Garrett was the Marlins’ first-round pick in 2016, then had Tommy John surgery midway through his 2017 season. He missed all of 2018 rehabbing before finally getting a full season’s worth of innings in 2019 between High-A and Double-A. He was at the Marlins’ alternate training site in 2020 and made his big league debut that September. In 2021, Garrett bounced back and forth between Triple-A and Miami.
  
  Scouting Report: Garrett’s stuff has diminished somewhat over the years. He still works with a four-pitch repertoire fronted by a low-90s fastball and buttressed primarily with a pair of breaking balls. His curveball sits in the mid 70s while his slider, which is the more frequently thrown of the two pitches, has an average velocity around 84 mph. The slider also shows above-average spin rate as well as other analytical characteristics that make it the superior breaking ball. Garrett’s changeup sits in the mid 80s and might be more effective with a touch more separation from his fastball.
  
  The Future: If Garrett is to stick in the big leagues, he’ll have to improve his control and command. He walked 5.3 hitters per nine innings in his time with the Marlins, and scouts think he might be better suited as a left-on-left reliever who relies heavily on his breaking pitches.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 50. Changeup: 50. Curveball: 60. Control: 55
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and went above slot to sign him for $4.1 million. His first season was cut short after he had Tommy John surgery, but he returned to the mound in 2019 and held up over 107 innings while climbing to Double-A. The Marlins added him to their 60-man player pool in 2020 and called him in September up for his first two major league starts.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Garrett's arsenal is fronted by low-80s curveball with great depth that is considered the best in the Marlins' system. It's a swing-and-miss pitch that had immediate success in the majors and is a consensus plus offering. Garrett's fastball previously averaged 92-95 mph but dipped to the 88-90 range in the majors, which led to the pitch getting crushed. He also throws an average changeup that is effective against righthanders. Garrett exhibits above-average control and command of all three pitches but had to nibble in the majors with his decreased velocity.
  THE FUTURE: Garrett's velocity dip was concerning, but he had barely pitched in Double-A and needs more time in the minors. He is a candidate to land a spot on the back end of the rotation in the coming years.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 50. Changeup: 50. Curveball: 60. Control: 55
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and went above slot to sign him for $4.1 million. His first season was cut short after he had Tommy John surgery, but he returned to the mound in 2019 and held up over 107 innings while climbing to Double-A. The Marlins added him to their 60-man player pool in 2020 and called him in September up for his first two major league starts.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Garrett’s arsenal is fronted by low-80s curveball with great depth that is considered the best in the Marlins’ system. It’s a swing-and-miss pitch that had immediate success in the majors and is a consensus plus offering. Garrett’s fastball previously averaged 92-95 mph but dipped to the 88-90 range in the majors, which led to the pitch getting crushed. He also throws an average changeup that is effective against righthanders. Garrett exhibits above-average control and command of all three pitches but had to nibble in the majors with his decreased velocity.
  THE FUTURE: Garrett’s velocity dip was concerning, but he had barely pitched in Double-A and needs more time in the minors. He is a candidate to land a spot on the back end of the rotation in the coming years.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Fastball: 50. Changeup: 50. Curveball: 60. Control: 55
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and went above slot to sign him for $4.1 million. His first season was cut short after he had Tommy John surgery, but he returned to the mound in 2019 and held up over 107 innings while climbing to Double-A. The Marlins added him to their 60-man player pool in 2020 and called him in September up for his first two major league starts.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Garrett’s arsenal is fronted by low-80s curveball with great depth that is considered the best in the Marlins’ system. It’s a swing-and-miss pitch that had immediate success in the majors and is a consensus plus offering. Garrett’s fastball previously averaged 92-95 mph but dipped to the 88-90 range in the majors, which led to the pitch getting crushed. He also throws an average changeup that is effective against righthanders. Garrett exhibits above-average control and command of all three pitches but had to nibble in the majors with his decreased velocity.
  THE FUTURE: Garrett’s velocity dip was concerning, but he had barely pitched in Double-A and needs more time in the minors. He is a candidate to land a spot on the back end of the rotation in the coming years.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and signed him for an above-slot deal north of $4.1 million. He made his pro debut in 2017 but made just four low Class A starts before having Tommy John surgery. After missing all of 2018, Garrett returned to the mound on April 9, striking out six batters and allowing only one run in four innings. In all, he threw 107 innings, struck out 119 batters and limited opponents to a .235 average in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Armed with one the best offspeed offerings in the Marlins’ system, Garrett’s true, north-to-south curveball is a plus, swing-andmiss pitch. He pairs his big breaker with a 92-95 mph fastball and an average, third-pitch changeup that flashes above-average potential. Garrett still has room to add strength, and he could increase his fastball velocity as he continues to build innings. He has a smooth delivery, and he showed the makings of above-average command despite his long layoff in which he pitched just 15.1 innings over a span of nearly three years.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garrett made a one-start cameo at Double-A Jacksonville at the end of 2019 and will return there in 2020. On a similar timeline to that of fellow first-round lefthander Trevor Rogers, Garrett could be a mid-rotation starter for the Marlins by late 2021 or early 2022.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Marlins drafted Garrett with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016 and signed him for an above-slot deal north of $4.1 million. He made his pro debut in 2017 but made just four low Class A starts before having Tommy John surgery. After missing all of 2018, Garrett returned to the mound on April 9, striking out six batters and allowing only one run in four innings. In all, he threw 107 innings, struck out 119 batters and limited opponents to a .235 average in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Armed with one the best offspeed offerings in the Marlins' system, Garrett's true, north-to-south curveball is a plus, swing-andmiss pitch. He pairs his big breaker with a 92-95 mph fastball and an average, third-pitch changeup that flashes above-average potential. Garrett still has room to add strength, and he could increase his fastball velocity as he continues to build innings. He has a smooth delivery, and he showed the makings of above-average command despite his long layoff in which he pitched just 15.1 innings over a span of nearly three years.
  
  THE FUTURE: Garrett made a one-start cameo at Double-A Jacksonville at the end of 2019 and will return there in 2020. On a similar timeline to that of fellow first-round lefthander Trevor Rogers, Garrett could be a mid-rotation starter for the Marlins by late 2021 or early 2022.
• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  Much like Trevor Rogers, Garrett was a high school lefthander whom the Marlins drafted in the first round (seventh overall in 2016) but did not pitch in his first year in the organization. Garrett had Tommy John surgery last June and is expected to miss the 2018 season. The Marlins hope Garrett’s low-90s fastball, potentially plus curveball and above-average control return to the form that made him such a highly regarded prospect entering the draft.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: For the second time in three years, the Marlins drafted a high school pitcher with their first-round pick. But unlike burly righthanded Texan Tyler Kolek--the No. 2 overall pick in 2014--the Alabama prep lefthander does not light up radar guns. His fastball sits in the low 90s compared with the high 90s where Kolek resides. Garrett has big-game experience, having helped USA Baseball's 18U team win the gold medal at the 2015 World Cup--which he called his favorite baseball experience--and then throwing a four-hit shutout at USA Baseball's National High School Invitational in March 2016. At No. 7 overall, Garrett was the highest-drafted Alabama prep player since shortstop Condredge Holloway of Lee High in Huntsville went fourth overall to the Expos in 1971 He was the highest-drafted Alabama prep pitcher since righty Rick James, drafted sixth overall in the first draft in 1965. Garrett, a Vanderbilt commit with a 3.8 grade-point average, was considered a tough sign and cost the Marlins $4,145,900, well above the $3,756,300 slot value. Scouting Report: Garrett's pitch best is his 11-to-5 curveball, which has earned future plus grades for its tight spin and break. He also commands the pitch well by throwing it for strikes and as a chase pitch. He had just 15 walks in 65.1 innings with a 0.53 ERA and 131 strikeouts as a senior at Florence (Ala.) High, which earned him Gatorade player-of-the-year honors for the state of Alabama. Garrett's father Steve, who coached him in high school, taught him his curveball at age 13. Scouts said his curve was one of the best in the 2016 draft--just behind New Jersey prep lefthander Jason Groome, a Red Sox first-round pick--and rated him as having the best control of any pitcher in the class. Garrett's fastball sits 91-93 mph with late life. At 6-foot-3, he has the frame to add good weight, which could enable him to add velocity. He has worked the most on improving the arm speed on his changeup, and it shows some fade. He has a balanced, easy delivery that he repeats extremely well, allowing him to fill the zone with quality strikes. Garrett has worked with Marlins coaches on developing a between-starts routine for the more demanding pro throwing schedule. The Future: Garrett did not sign until the signing deadline on July 15. His late signing, combined with the Marlins' cautious approach, prevented the 19-year-old from taking a mound as a pro until instructional league, when he had three abbreviated outings. The Marlins say Garrett was not injured. Rather they were being cautious after his spring workload. He did travel with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League team. Evaluators believe Garrett could have three above-average pitches to go with at above-average command. Given his pitchability and age (he was old for the draft class), the Marlins could skip Garrett to full-season ball in 2017.