The Miami Marlins received four intriguing prospects from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Marcell Ozuna trade on Thursday.
Miami now has control of RHP Sandy Alcantara, OF Magneuris Sierra, RHP Zac Gallen, and LHP Daniel Castano. Alcantara is the centerpiece of the deal, but there is plenty of potential in the other names as well. All four players could end up being significant parts of Miami's future.
Alcantara is a 22-year old right-hander with an overpowering fastball. Control has been an issue for Alcantara so far, but this is not an odd trait for flame-throwing prospects. If Alcantara can reign in his control issues, he has the potential to be near the top of Miami's rotation. It is possible that the Marlins will give Alcantara more time in the minor leagues to develop.
Sierra could be with the Marlins to begin the 2018 season. The speedy outfielder could be Miami's new lead-off hitter, following the trade of Dee Gordon. Sierra lacks power, but he brings with him a strong arm in the outfield. At only 21, Sierra has plenty of time to improve his game. While Alcantara is considered the biggest piece in the trade, Sierra is not far behind in terms of potential value.
Gallen is not a top prospect, but he has plenty of potential himself. The right-hander had a fantastic strikeout to walk ratio last season and is a candidate for Miami's roster during 2018. While Gallen will likely begin the year in AAA New Orleans, he could be up with the Marlins during the second half of the season. Gallen who is 22, has the potential to sit in the middle of a major league rotation for years to come.
Castano is considered more of a lottery ticket type player, due to his advanced age in a lower level. The lefty is 23 and was in Low-A ball last season. In that New York-Penn league action, Castano did post solid numbers however. If Castano can move rapidly in Miami's rotation, he could end up being another big part of this trade. An 81-13 strikeout to walk ratio is a very promising sign for the left-handed starter.
Miami is likely going to make more trades this off-season, as it tries to speed up the rebuilding process.
