Jacob Berry Seeks To Punch Up Marlins’ Offense

The Marlins are well stocked with elite young pitchers in Miami and also on the farm. So much so that the organization has spent four of its past five top draft picks on hitters.

So far, they have not had one break through.

The Marlins gave up on 2018 first-round outfielder Connor Scott and traded him to the Pirates after the 2021 season. Outfielder JJ Bleday, drafted fourth overall in 2019, made his MLB debut this year but posted just a .586 OPS in 65 games.

Shortstop Kahlil Watson, drafted 16th overall in 2021, just completed his first full pro season.

Perhaps Miami’s latest first-round hitter can eventually become the big bopper the Marlins need.

He’s Jacob Berry, a 21-year-old, switch-hitting third baseman with a ton of confidence. Miami drafted him sixth overall this year out of Louisiana State.

“I’m a strong kid, sweet stroke. I barrel a lot of balls,” Berry said during an interview on a Bally Sports Florida telecast. “I don’t know anybody who barrels more balls than I do.”

Berry had a decorated college career, first at Arizona and then at LSU after transferring. In two seasons he hit .360 with 32 home runs and compiled a 1.105 OPS.

However, Berry’s numbers were more modest in 33 games this year at Low-A Jupiter. He hit .264/.358/.392 with three homers, 13 walks and 23 strikeouts.

While defense is not Berry’s forte, he is known for a quality approach at the plate.

“I try to keep things simple,” Berry said. “I may not hit the ball 500 feet, but I’m going to barrel more baseballs than just about anybody. That’s what I do, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Berry is proud of the improvements he made from Arizona to LSU, and there’s reason for the Marlins to hope he will make a similar adjustment in pro baseball. In his draft year, Berry drew 27 walks against 22 strikeouts.

“I’ve worked a lot on plate discipline,” Berry said. “I came in as raw, strong kid at Arizona, and I cut my strikeouts down at LSU. I also increased my on-base percentage (from .439 to .464).”

FISH BITES

— Cuban-born shortstop Yiddi Cappe, who signed with the Marlins in 2021 for $3.8 million, has some tools, including a strong arm, good speed and raw power. He can get pull-happy, but Cappe socked nine homers with a .766 OPS in 67 games this year in the Florida Complex League and Low-A Jupiter.