MLB Rookie Profile: Drew Steckenrider, RHP, Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have promoted right-handed pitcher Drew Steckenrider to the major league roster. Although he hasn’t received a huge amount of attention he could end up being a very useful asset. Here’s a quick look.

The Marlins drafted Steckenrider in the eighth round in 2012 from the University of Tennessee. He promptly hurt his elbow and required Tommy John surgery; rehab was slow and he missed almost all of 2013 and 2014 recovering. He returned in ‘15 and performed well in A-ball, then took a large step forward in 2016, thriving at three leels with a combined 2.08 ERA.

In 2017 so far he’s posted a 1.25 ERA in 22 innings for Triple-A New Orleans, with a 26/8 K/BB and only nine hits allowed.

Steckenrider ranked 10th on the pre-season Miami Marlins Top 20 prospects list for 2017, rated with a Grade C+ and the following commentary:

10) Drew Steckenrider, RHP, Grade C+: Age 26, eighth round pick in 2012 from University of Tennessee; 2.08 ERA with 71/19 K/BB in 52 innings between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, with just 25 hits; saved 14 games; impressive 94-97 MPH heat; everyone likes the fastball but reports on slider vary between plus and below-average depending on source; lacks change-up by all accounts; could be similar to Kyle Barraclough or Brian Ellington in middle relief. ETA 2017.

Steckenrider is listed at 6-5, 215 pounds, born January 10, 1991. His fastball is the key attraction, a legit mid-90s blister agent, but he’s made enough progress with his slider/cutter and change-up to shut down both left-handed and right-handed hitters this year.

This is a typical short/middle relief profile and it is possible he could get a shot as a closer eventually if his command holds up.