Kevin Defrank: Marlins' Top Pitching Prospect

On March 23rd, 17-year-old pitcher Kevin DeFranck is turning heads in Marlin's spring training.

The six-foot-five right-hander signed for $560,000 in January 2025 and impressed in his pro-day view last year.

With a 3.19-earned run average, 34 strikeouts over 31 innings in the Dominican Summer League.

Now Miami's number six prospect, he's drawn comparisons to top-moderally talents across baseball.

This spring in Jupiter, Florida, DeFranck has pushed his fastball to triple digits regularly after sitting around 97 mph last season.

His 88-91 mph changeup shows strong fade and his upper 80 slider has solid sweep, marking both as potential plus.

Pitches for someone so young.

Marlin's officials rave about his makeup, discipline, and work ethic, noting how he bulked up physically last year.

Director of Player Development, Rachel Bauchovick highlighted his rapid growth in the team's focus on building a strong foundation to handle intense training.

The organization prioritizes arm-held for DeFranck amid his velocity gains, emphasizing strength, conditioning, and nutrition to prevent injuries.

Common and young hard-browers.

Meanwhile, other prospects like 17-year-old catcher Andrew Salas, who struggled but drew walks at, single A, number 15 Noble Meyer.

Regaining fastball speed after offseason work and outfielder Owen Casey shining in the World Baseball Classic, add depth to Miami's farm system.

With innings under their belts in 2026, these talents could anchor future Marlin's rotations and lineups, proving their top prospect, status league-wide.

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