Brandon Marsh

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #2 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh has been a standout on the field since the Angels drafted him in the second round in 2016, but he’s also been frequently sidelined by injuries. That continued in 2020 when he suffered an elbow strain in spring training and missed part of summer camp for undisclosed reasons. He returned to spend August and September at the alternate training site and built on the offensive adjustments he made in 2019 with Double-A Mobile.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marsh is a high-level athlete who blends big tools with impressive instincts. He is a plus runner who displays excellent routes and reads in center field, has a plus-plus, accurate arm and has an athletic swing that drives the ball hard to the gaps. His game-planning and understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of 2019 has fueled optimism he can approach 20 home runs at his peak. The Angels introduced Marsh to first base at the alternate site. He initially balked at the idea, but grew to enjoy the position and attacked it with the same vigor he displays in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: With his bat continuing to develop, Marsh should join Mike Trout and Jo Adell to give the Angels a star-studded outfield in the near future. He is set to start 2021 at Triple-A and could make his debut during the season.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #2 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh did not impress scouts in the early part of last season. Batting from a crouched position, he slashed at pitches, his hands were not in position to get the barrel to the zone on time and he did not drive the ball with much authority. A midseason adjustment to stand more upright in the box helped free Marsh up, and he proceeded to hit .306 with a .829 OPS from July on at Double-A Mobile. He wrapped his year up by batting .328/.387/.522 in the Arizona Fall League.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Once Marsh got comfortable with his new stance, his swing path improved and his bat stayed through the zone longer, allowing him to use his strength and generate more loft. His understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of last season fueled even more optimism about his offensive future. Marsh is an elite athlete with plus defensive instincts in center field, plus speed and route-running abilities and a strong, accurate arm. He also impressed coaches with his leadership and ability to battle through nagging injuries.
  
  THE FUTURE: Marsh has the skills to be an everyday outfielder at the highest level. He'll move to Triple-A in 2020.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #3 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Marsh signed for $1.073 million as a second-rounder in 2016 and appears fully recovered from a stress reaction in his back that briefly didn't require surgery but sidelined him. After flashing five-tool potential as one of the best players in the Pioneer League in 2017, he played a full season between low Class A Burlington and high Class A Inland Empire in 2018 and tantalized with his promise of power, speed and center field defense.
  
  Scouting Report: A standout wide receiver in high school, Marsh is arguably the best athlete in the Angels' system. Scouts love his defensive instincts, plus speed, route-running and his strong, accurate arm. He is the best pure center fielder in the system--even better than Jo Adell--and his arm can change games. Marsh is more raw at the plate. He shows above-average raw power and recognizes pitches, but he doesn't always swing with intent and his strikeout totals are consistently high. At times his swing can look mechanical, even a little stiff. When he does connect, Marsh drives the ball to the gaps, and the way the ball comes off his bat leads scouts to project more power.
  
  The Future: Marsh has the speed and instincts to excel defensively in any outfield spot. He'll try to make the necessary offensive adjustments at Double-A in 2019.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #5 prospect in 2018
  Marsh, who signed for $1.073 million as the No. 60 overall pick in 2016, didn't play after his signing was delayed because of a medical exam found a stress reaction in his lower back. Stronger after months of rehabilitation, Marsh flashed his five-tool potential as one of the best players in the Pioneer League in his pro debut in 2017, although he missed a month with a sprained thumb. A standout wide receiver who helped his high school team win Georgia AAAA state championships in 2013 and 2014, Marsh is an elite athlete with a strong frame, plus speed and plus arm strength. He looked a little raw offensively in instructional league last fall, but showed advanced plate discipline at Orem, sitting on pitches like a college hitter. Marsh has shown an ability to hit to all fields and could grow into more power as he matures physically. The way the ball comes off his bat leads some scouts to project above-average power in his future. The Angels believe Marsh has the speed and instincts to cover a lot of ground in center field, though he may eventually move to a corner spot. With a good, and healthy, first half at low Class A Burlington, Marsh could reach high Class A Inland Empire by the All-Star break.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #4 prospect in 2017
  After drafting Jahmai Jones in 2015, the Angels again used a second-round pick in 2016 to take another physically-talented Georgia prep outfielder. The Angels found a back issue in Marsh's post-draft physical that delayed his signing, but he wound up signing for slot value of $1,073,300. He missed all of the Rookie-level Arizona League and instructional league seasons with a stress reaction in his back but spent that time working out at the Angels' facility in Arizona. A two-sport athlete whose football career limited his showcase exposure as a prep, Marsh showed scouts a loud set of tools during his scholastic career, with both plus speed and a plus arm. He has a strong, athletic frame, and scouts who saw him take batting practice during instructional league noted the raw power and good loft in his swing as well as an ability to make adjustments from one session to the next. He's a bit raw offensively, however, and the lost development time won't help. The Angels expect a complete recovery for Marsh, and he will be ready to begin his career in 2017. Some scouts have likened him physically and tools-wise to Colby Rasmus, though he's less polished at a similar age. Marsh will start 2017 in extended spring training, then likely make his pro debut at Rookie-level Orem.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #59 prospect in 2016 draft
  Marsh is this year's Georgia pop-up prospect, as he was injured last summer and was not a showcase regular. He performed well at Perfect Game's High School Showdown and scouts have flocked in to see him since. His measurable tools are loud; he is a plus runner with a bazooka for an arm. Some evaluators are all in on Marsh, believing in his ability to hit. He has line drive ability, and is content to line the ball into the gaps and allow his speed to play around the basepaths. The way the ball comes off his bat leads some scouts to project power in his future thanks in part to a physical 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame and present strength from a player who was a strong football player at Buford High. Some evaluators compare him to Colby Rasmus, a similarly tooled up lefthanded-hitting outfielder Georgia’s prep ranks. He is committed to Kennesaw State, though scouts believe he is signable.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Southern League #10 prospect in 2019
  More than one scout came away impressed with Marsh’s breadth of tools and his competitive makeup. His own manager lauded his leadership qualities and the way teammates respond to him. "What he’s done in this league has been solid, but what he brings in the clubhouse is a separator,” Mobile manager David Newhan said. Marsh ranked fourth in the Southern League batting race (.300) and third in on-base percentage (.383), with only an ankle sprain that cost him June slowing him down. He makes a ton of contact and has a discerning batting eye but tends to keep the ball on the ground. The Angels are working with Marsh to keep him more upright in his stance, stay through the hitting zone and try to generate the loft to take advantage of his strength. Even if Marsh maxes out with average power, he has a full complement of supporting tools, including plus hitting ability, plus speed and plus range in center field to go with a plus arm.
• 
  Ranked California League #11 prospect in 2018
  Marsh moved up to Inland Empire in May and struggled with the level adjustment at first, but he bounced back to hit .276/.365/.425 in the second half while flashing huge tools. Though he often played a corner in deference to Jo Adell, Marsh was actually the better center fielder of the two with superb jumps, plus speed and long strides that allowed him to run down any ball gap-to-gap. His best tool was a jaw-dropping arm voted best in the league by managers. “He’s got a great arm and a great sense of how to use it,” Visalia manager Joe Mather said. “There’s times where he’ll try and bait guys with a little nonchalant-ness and then let one eat..and it’s right on the money.” Offensively Marsh tracks pitches and knows the strike zone, but mechanical issues in his lower half prevent him from staying on plane with the ball and result in a lot of swings and misses. He also doesn’t always swing with intent, preventing him from getting to his raw power. Fixing those shortcomings will be key for Marsh to reach his lofty ceiling.
• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #4 prospect in 2017
  Marsh sat out all of 2016 with a stress fracture in his lower back, but he hit .467 over his first 10 games at Orem before suffering a thumb injury that kept him out of action for most of July. Like fellow outfielder Jo Adell, Marsh brings all five tools to the field and is an elite athlete with a strong, physical build. He was a two-sport player in high school. Marsh split time in 2017 in both right and center field, with the above-average speed and arm to handle either. Marsh's hit tool is legit. He uses the whole field and has an mature approach at the plate. He has the strength to grow into more game power as he develops, but right now his home run power is limited to his pull side.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #38 prospect in 2021
• Ranked Baseball America's #43 prospect in 2020

• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh has been a standout on the field since the Angels drafted him in the second round in 2016, but he's also been frequently sidelined by injuries. That continued in 2020 when he suffered an elbow strain in spring training and missed part of summer camp for undisclosed reasons. He returned to spend August and September at the alternate training site and built on the offensive adjustments he made in 2019 with Double-A Mobile.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marsh is a high-level athlete who blends big tools with impressive instincts. He is a plus runner who displays excellent routes and reads in center field, has a plus-plus, accurate arm and has an athletic swing that drives the ball hard to the gaps. His game-planning and understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of 2019 has fueled optimism he can approach 20 home runs at his peak. The Angels introduced Marsh to first base at the alternate site. He initially balked at the idea, but grew to enjoy the position and attacked it with the same vigor he displays in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: With his bat continuing to develop, Marsh should join Mike Trout and Jo Adell to give the Angels a star-studded outfield in the near future. He is set to start 2021 at Triple-A and could make his debut during the season.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh has been a standout on the field since the Angels drafted him in the second round in 2016, but he’s also been frequently sidelined by injuries. That continued in 2020 when he suffered an elbow strain in spring training and missed part of summer camp for undisclosed reasons. He returned to spend August and September at the alternate training site and built on the offensive adjustments he made in 2019 with Double-A Mobile.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marsh is a high-level athlete who blends big tools with impressive instincts. He is a plus runner who displays excellent routes and reads in center field, has a plus-plus, accurate arm and has an athletic swing that drives the ball hard to the gaps. His game-planning and understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of 2019 has fueled optimism he can approach 20 home runs at his peak. The Angels introduced Marsh to first base at the alternate site. He initially balked at the idea, but grew to enjoy the position and attacked it with the same vigor he displays in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: With his bat continuing to develop, Marsh should join Mike Trout and Jo Adell to give the Angels a star-studded outfield in the near future. He is set to start 2021 at Triple-A and could make his debut during the season.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh has been a standout on the field since the Angels drafted him in the second round in 2016, but he’s also been frequently sidelined by injuries. That continued in 2020 when he suffered an elbow strain in spring training and missed part of summer camp for undisclosed reasons. He returned to spend August and September at the alternate training site and built on the offensive adjustments he made in 2019 with Double-A Mobile.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Marsh is a high-level athlete who blends big tools with impressive instincts. He is a plus runner who displays excellent routes and reads in center field, has a plus-plus, accurate arm and has an athletic swing that drives the ball hard to the gaps. His game-planning and understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of 2019 has fueled optimism he can approach 20 home runs at his peak. The Angels introduced Marsh to first base at the alternate site. He initially balked at the idea, but grew to enjoy the position and attacked it with the same vigor he displays in the outfield.
  
  THE FUTURE: With his bat continuing to develop, Marsh should join Mike Trout and Jo Adell to give the Angels a star-studded outfield in the near future. He is set to start 2021 at Triple-A and could make his debut during the season.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh did not impress scouts in the early part of last season. Batting from a crouched position, he slashed at pitches, his hands were not in position to get the barrel to the zone on time and he did not drive the ball with much authority. A midseason adjustment to stand more upright in the box helped free Marsh up, and he proceeded to hit .306 with a .829 OPS from July on at Double-A Mobile. He wrapped his year up by batting .328/.387/.522 in the Arizona Fall League.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Once Marsh got comfortable with his new stance, his swing path improved and his bat stayed through the zone longer, allowing him to use his strength and generate more loft. His understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of last season fueled even more optimism about his offensive future. Marsh is an elite athlete with plus defensive instincts in center field, plus speed and route-running abilities and a strong, accurate arm. He also impressed coaches with his leadership and ability to battle through nagging injuries.
  
  THE FUTURE: Marsh has the skills to be an everyday outfielder at the highest level. He’ll move to Triple-A in 2020.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Marsh did not impress scouts in the early part of last season. Batting from a crouched position, he slashed at pitches, his hands were not in position to get the barrel to the zone on time and he did not drive the ball with much authority. A midseason adjustment to stand more upright in the box helped free Marsh up, and he proceeded to hit .306 with a .829 OPS from July on at Double-A Mobile. He wrapped his year up by batting .328/.387/.522 in the Arizona Fall League.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Once Marsh got comfortable with his new stance, his swing path improved and his bat stayed through the zone longer, allowing him to use his strength and generate more loft. His understanding of how opponents are pitching him continues to grow, and his improved pull-side power in the second half of last season fueled even more optimism about his offensive future. Marsh is an elite athlete with plus defensive instincts in center field, plus speed and route-running abilities and a strong, accurate arm. He also impressed coaches with his leadership and ability to battle through nagging injuries.
  
  THE FUTURE: Marsh has the skills to be an everyday outfielder at the highest level. He'll move to Triple-A in 2020.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  More than one scout came away impressed with Marsh’s breadth of tools and his competitive makeup. His own manager lauded his leadership qualities and the way teammates respond to him. "What he’s done in this league has been solid, but what he brings in the clubhouse is a separator,” Mobile manager David Newhan said. Marsh ranked fourth in the Southern League batting race (.300) and third in on-base percentage (.383), with only an ankle sprain that cost him June slowing him down. He makes a ton of contact and has a discerning batting eye but tends to keep the ball on the ground. The Angels are working with Marsh to keep him more upright in his stance, stay through the hitting zone and try to generate the loft to take advantage of his strength. Even if Marsh maxes out with average power, he has a full complement of supporting tools, including plus hitting ability, plus speed and plus range in center field to go with a plus arm.
• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  Marsh was the best athlete in the system until the Angels drafted Adell and Adams, but even then Marsh still has an argument for the title. Though scouts love his raw tools, especially his power, speed and arm, Marsh is still turning his potential into performance. He got hot recently to up his slash line to .272/.364/.409, but his six home runs and 113 strikeouts in 91 games cause concern. Plate discipline is a strength, but Marsh needs to fine-tune his approach so he’s ready to attack his pitch more often.
• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  Marsh moved up to Inland Empire in May and struggled with the level adjustment at first, but he bounced back to hit .276/.365/.425 in the second half while flashing huge tools. Though he often played a corner in deference to Jo Adell, Marsh was actually the better center fielder of the two with superb jumps, plus speed and long strides that allowed him to run down any ball gap-to-gap. His best tool was a jaw-dropping arm voted best in the league by managers. “He’s got a great arm and a great sense of how to use it,” Visalia manager Joe Mather said. “There’s times where he’ll try and bait guys with a little nonchalant-ness and then let one eat..and it’s right on the money.” Offensively Marsh tracks pitches and knows the strike zone, but mechanical issues in his lower half prevent him from staying on plane with the ball and result in a lot of swings and misses. He also doesn’t always swing with intent, preventing him from getting to his raw power. Fixing those shortcomings will be key for Marsh to reach his lofty ceiling.
• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Marsh, who signed for $1.073 million as the No. 60 overall pick in 2016, didn't play after his signing was delayed when a medical exam found a stress reaction in his lower back. He flashed five-tool potential in his 2017 pro debut in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. Scouting Report: Stronger after months of rehabilitation, Marsh shined in 2017 despite missing a month with a sprained thumb. A standout wide receiver who helped his high school team win Georgia state championships in 2013 and 2014, Marsh is an elite athlete with a strong frame, plus speed and a plus arm. He looked raw offensively at 2016 instructional league but showed advanced plate discipline at Orem, sitting on pitches like a college hitter. Marsh has shown an ability to hit to all fields and could grow into more power as he matures physically. The way the ball comes off his bat leads some scouts to project above-average power in his future. The Angels believe Marsh has the speed and instincts to cover center field, though he could move to a corner. The Future: With a good--and healthy--first half at low Class A Burlington in 2018, Marsh could reach high Class A Inland Empire by the all-star break.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: After drafting Jahmai Jones in 2015, the Angels again used a second-round pick in 2016 to take another physically-talented Georgia prep outfielder. The Angels found a back issue in Marsh's post-draft physical that delayed his signing, but he wound up signing for $1,073,300, right at slot. He missed all of the Rookie-level Arizona League and instructional league seasons with a stress reaction in his back, but spent that time working out at the Angels' facility in Arizona. Scouting Report: A two-sport athlete whose football career limited his showcase exposure as a prep, Marsh showed scouts a loud set of tools during his scholastic career, with both plus speed and a plus arm. He has a strong, athletic frame, and scouts who saw him take batting practice during instructional league noted the raw power and good loft in his swing as well as an ability to make adjustments from one session to the next. He's a bit raw offensively, however, and the lost development time won't help.
  
  The Future: The Angels expect a complete recovery from Marsh's back woes, and he will be ready to begin his career in 2017. Some scouts have likened him physically and tools-wise to Colby Rasmus, though he's less polished at a similar age. Marsh will start 2017 in extended spring training, then likely make his pro debut at Rookie-level Orem.