International Reviews: Miami Marlins

Total 2017 signings: 23.

Top 2017-18 signing: SS Ynmanol Marinez, Dominican Republic, $1.5 million.

The Marlins went through July 2 last year with Albert Gonzalez in charge of their international scouting. After the new ownership group took over, Gonzalez left to join the Royals as assistant general manager of international operations. The Marlins then hired Fernando Seguignol as their new director of international operations.

The big signing last year for the Marlins was Ynmanol Marinez, a 17-year-old Dominican shortstop they gave $1.5 million on July 2. Marinez (6 feet, 175 pounds) was one of the top offensive performers in the Dominican Prospect League, with a simple, compact stroke from the right side, a long-armed hitter who still does a good job of keeping his hands short to the ball. He makes consistent, quality contact in games from right-center over to his pull side. Marinez has a hit-over-power profile right now, but he has the ability to backspin balls with the strength projection to grow into 20-plus home run power. Marinez stands out more in games than in a workout, as he doesn’t have any standout tools or quick-twitch athleticism. He might begin his career at shortstop, but he’s probably better suited for third base or possibly second. Marinez has the hands and body control to stick in the infield and he makes the play on the run well, but he’s a fringe-average runner who will need to improve his first-step quickness and footwork. He has unorthodox, upright throwing motion, but his arm is strong and could be plus once he gets stronger and smooths out his mechanics. Marinez trained with Cachaza.

The Marlins signed 17-year-old outfielder Adonis Giron for $350,000 out of the Dominican Republic on July 2. Giron’s calling card is his hitting ability. At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, he has fast bat speed with a short righthanded swing and consistently performed at a high level in games for the Marlins, making frequent hard contact. Giron is a corner outfielder with average speed that will likely slow down as he ages and an average arm that could tick up once he gets stronger.

Venezuelan shortstop Julio Machado, 17, signed with the Marlins for $325,000 on July 2 after training with Carlos Yanez. Machado has a good balance of tools and skills for a player who projects to stick at a premium position. At 6 feet, 175 pounds, Machado isn’t a flashy defender, but he has secure hands, good footwork and gets quick reactions off the bat. He ranges well to his left with a strong arm that has increased to plus to be able to make the play in the hole. A good athlete with slightly above-average speed, Machado spent a lot of time leading up to July 2 working to shorten his swing. It’s now a compact stroke from the right side with good swing plane and lower half balance. Machado has good bat speed with a line drive approach and gap power.