According to a report released via MLB, citing Joe Frisaro, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins have agreed to a multiplayer trade. The Dodgers will receive Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco, while Miami will receive multiple prospects.
A high-profile trade centered around L.A.’s need for instant pitching improvement and Miami’s desire to improve its farm system.
One of those players is right-handed pitcher Josh Wall. The question is, what do we need to know about Miami’s newest pitching prospect?
Let’s find out.
1. Future Closer
Wall isn’t the most consistent player in MLB, and that’s more of a compliment than an insult at this stage. He can’t seem to keep pitches over the plate, and when he does, he lets them hang and thus pays the price.
Just don’t debate the upside.
Wall was selected in the second round of the 2005 MLB draft by the Dodgers as a potential closer. While he may not have panned out in his early MLB career, Wall clearly has the upside to be something special.
It all starts with his size and power.
2. Size and Power
If there’s one thing you need to know about Wall, it’s that he’s a 6’5″ and 207-pound righty. While his control has been questionable in his short MLB career, he uses that supreme size to power pitches over the plate.
As a relief pitcher, that’s a trait that is undeniably attractive.
With the rise of power relievers such as Aroldis Chapman and Joel Hanrahan, Wall could be something special. Teams clearly value closers who can catch batters off balance with their power, and Wall certainly has nasty stuff.
That alone could make him a player receiving early playing time.
While he’s far from a long reliever and not quite a setup man, Wall can contribute in the sixth or seventh inning. Not only can he keep an offense at bay, but with the proper development of his breaking ball, Wall could make a powerful impact.
Unfortunately, he’s struggling to piece quality outings together.
3. Terrible Start to MLB Career
Thus far in 2013, Wall is 0-1 with an ERA of 18.00 and a WHIP of 3.29 in six appearances. While his statistics may be underwhelming, there’s no question that Wall has the upside to be a strong arm in any bullpen.
With his combination of size and power, pitching for short periods of time could be up his alley—the question is, how telling are these numbers?
For a Marlins team that’s short on arms, Wall is worth the risk, as he truly can’t hurt Miami any more than it’s already reeling. Not only can he help with a bullpen that has been inconsistent, at best, but he has the long-term upside of a strong closer in the MLB.
With the price it paid, it’s clear Miami believes in Wall’s future.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com