Deven Marrero: SS, Arizona State University, 6'1", 195, R/R
Photo Credit: prospectnation.com
A junior at Arizona State, Marrero was part of the American Heritage high school team that won a national championship in 2009. Selected in the 17th round in 2009, Marrero instead chose ASU and has risen into the top 10 of many draft boards. A well-rounded defensive shortstop with good actions, hands and a strong arm, there is no doubt that Marrero can stick at the position at the next level.
He excelled as a freshman at Arizona State posting a .397/.442/.628, though regressed during his sophomore year (.313/.352/.434) which could potentially be explained by the new BBCOR bat standards. Marrero starts with a toe-tap load, keeps his hands back nicely, and while he does not have elite bat speed, shows the ability to control the barrel. He has a tendency to step in the bucket which is reminiscent of Ian Kinsler, however, Marrero’s swing is more level and geared for line drives. He could have average power as he develops and has shown a willingness to use all parts of the field. If everything develops correctly, he profiles as a prototypical #2 hitter: solid contact skills, the ability to handle the bat and some occasional home run pop. Strikeouts could be a challenge for Marrero in the future, though they are not a major concern. Running is not a big part of his game as he has average speed and could slow down a little more as he fills out. This isn’t a huge concern, however, as his sound baseball instincts make up for his lack of pure speed. While his ceiling may not be incredibly high, he has one of the higher floors in the draft class. The potential for an above-average defensive shortstop with a sound bat could see Marrero taken early in the 1st round.
MLB Comparison: Jason Bartlett
Draft Projection: Top 15
Video Footage: Bullpen Banter video of Marrero taking BP for the UCLA series this March
He excelled as a freshman at Arizona State posting a .397/.442/.628, though regressed during his sophomore year (.313/.352/.434) which could potentially be explained by the new BBCOR bat standards. Marrero starts with a toe-tap load, keeps his hands back nicely, and while he does not have elite bat speed, shows the ability to control the barrel. He has a tendency to step in the bucket which is reminiscent of Ian Kinsler, however, Marrero’s swing is more level and geared for line drives. He could have average power as he develops and has shown a willingness to use all parts of the field. If everything develops correctly, he profiles as a prototypical #2 hitter: solid contact skills, the ability to handle the bat and some occasional home run pop. Strikeouts could be a challenge for Marrero in the future, though they are not a major concern. Running is not a big part of his game as he has average speed and could slow down a little more as he fills out. This isn’t a huge concern, however, as his sound baseball instincts make up for his lack of pure speed. While his ceiling may not be incredibly high, he has one of the higher floors in the draft class. The potential for an above-average defensive shortstop with a sound bat could see Marrero taken early in the 1st round.
MLB Comparison: Jason Bartlett
Draft Projection: Top 15
Video Footage: Bullpen Banter video of Marrero taking BP for the UCLA series this March
