Noah Perio

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #34 prospect in 2013
  Better known in high school for his football prowess, Perio lasted 39th rounds in the 2009 draft because he was strongly committed to play baseball at Texas. The Marlins were able to sign him for $150,000 and viewed him as one of their top position prospects following his strong full-season debut at low Class A Greensboro in 2011. He found the going much tougher in high Class A last year, when his OPS dropped 125 points. Wiry and athletic, Perio makes good contact and keeps the barrel of the bat level through the zone. He has strong hands and wrists, but his swing often lacks looseness and fluidity. He runs into trouble when he tries to hit for power, which won't be his strength, and he needs to be more selective at the plate. Perio isn't very physical and seemed to almost melt in the heat and humidity of the Florida State League. He'll need to get stronger to improve both his endurance and his ability to drive the ball. He has solid speed but doesn't project as a big basestealer. His range and hands are good enough for second base, but slow grounders and tough double plays expose his below-average arm. Perio probably would be best off returning to high Class A to begin 2013.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #8 prospect in 2012
  Because he was better known as wide receiver/defensive back and had a baseball scholarship from Texas, Perio fell to the 39th round of the 2009 draft. The Marlins made a late push and signed him for $150,000, and he since has blossomed into their top middleinfield prospect. The wiry, athletic Perio makes good contact and keeps the barrel of his bat level and in the zone. While he doesn't strike out a lot, the Marlins would like him to be more selective, looking for pitches to drive and taking more walks. He quit hurrying his lower half and learned to trust his strong hands and wrists, finally tapping into his power and slugging .458 in the second half of 2011. He's an average runner with good instincts, but he won't be a prolific basestealer. Perio began his pro career as a shortstop, but his fringy arm predicated a move to second base, where he has good range but committed 24 errors in 114 games at Greensboro. He has the work ethic to become an average defender. Perio projects as an offensive-minded second baseman, a No. 2 hitter with good pop that will only get better as he fills out. He'll play in high Class A in 2012.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #26 prospect in 2011
  A two-sport star in high school, Perio received more attention for his work as a wide receiver and defensive back in football than for his baseball prowess. Because of his football background and commitment to Texas, he fell in the draft and was leaning toward joining the Longhorns. The Marlins made a late run at him and inked him to a $150,000 deal. The athletic Perio has a solid line-drive stroke to all fields. While he needs to add strength, he has flashed enough raw power to make Florida believe some of his drives will eventually clear the fence. He also has demonstrated good knowledge of the strike zone, and lefthanders don't seem to bother him. Perio has plus speed and went 7-for-7 stealing bases last season. He has the instincts, quickness and soft hands to play shortstop, but his below-average arm may necessitate a move to second base. Perio is ready for full-season ball and should see time at both middle-infield spots at Greensboro in 2011.

Minor League Top Prospects

• Ranked #4 prospect in 2015

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: Because he was better known as wide receiver/defensive back in high school and had a baseball commitment to Texas, Perio fell all the way to the 39th round of the 2009 draft. The Marlins made a late push and signed him for $150,000, and he since has blossomed into their top middle-infield prospect. Scouting Report: The wiry, athletic Perio makes good contact and keeps the barrel of his bat level and in the zone. While he doesn't strike out a lot, the Marlins would like him to be more selective, looking for pitches to drive and taking more walks. He quit hurrying his lower half and learned to trust his strong hands and wrists, finally tapping into his power and slugging .458 in the second half of 2011. He's an average runner with good instincts, but he won't be a prolific basestealer. Perio began his pro career as a shortstop, but his fringy arm dictated a move to second base, where he has good range but committed 24 errors in 114 games at Greensboro. He has the work ethic to become an average defender. The Future: Perio projects as an offensive-minded second baseman, a No. 2 hitter with good pop that should continue to improve as he fills out. He'll take the next step to high Class A in 2012.