Marlins Take High School LHP Braxton Garrett 7th Overall
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – With the seventh overall pick in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft, the Miami Marlins selected left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett.
Garrett is coming out of Florence High School in Alabama and is one the state's best prep pitching prospect since 2006.
The Major League Baseball scouting report says "Garrett spins one of the best curveballs among high schoolers in the 2016 Draft class, a 76-80 mph bender with good depth, though he can fall in love with his breaking ball at times."
As for the young lefty's fastball, it sits in the 88-91 mph range, with 94 at its max.
The Marlins are betting on him adding velocity as he matures, which seems like a solid bet given his athleticism.
Garret also has a changeup that he really started using as a senior in high school. Scouts believe it has the potential to develop into a plus pitch for him.
In April, Garret had a 19-strikeout performance and fanned 15 in two other starts.
Scouts compare him to John Danks of the Chicago White Sox.
Overall, Garrett projects to be a No. 2 starter with a relatively high floor.