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Possibly my favorite undervalued dynasty option for the 2014 season is future Marlins centerfielder, Jake Marisnick. After a 40 game, 118 plate appearance last season, Marisnick retained prospect status and is flying under the radar as a result. His cup of coffee was nothing special: .183/.231/.248, 1 HR, and 3 SBs but watching him on defense there was little doubt that he belonged at the highest stage. Marisnick is about to turn 23 years old and has all the makings of a solid power/speed guy hitting at the top of a major league lineup.
Ranked as the 67th and 64th best prospect in 2012 and 2013, respectively by MLB.com, Marisnick came up the ranks with a 5-tool projection. Standing 6’3" and 225 lbs he has the frame to develop double digit power in his game to go with his above average speed, which should accumulate plenty of steals. The hype for Marisnick started after a 14 HR, 37 SB campaign in Toronto’s A-ball affiliate during 2011. He has failed to deliver similar levels of production, but he’s also never spent an entire season at the same level since 2011. Given a chance to play every day at the same level should give Marisnick the ability to show off the 15/20 potential he possesses.
Marisnick appears headed to AAA to being 2014 with Yelich, Ozuna, and Stanton securing the 3 OF spots, but I expect him to break through for good sometime mid-season. His profile is full of 60-grade tools with the only question mark being the hit tool. It may not be able to support a high AVG, but it should be good enough to let the power and speed play. The home park in Miami won’t help his value a ton, but his defense becomes more of a premium and should give him a longer leash if he continues to struggle offensively. As mentioned above, if Marisnick finds himself in AAA come May don’t be afraid to send out an offer for him in your dynasty leagues to see if a disgruntled fantasy owner is ready to cut bait. An unimpressive MLB debut, a subsequent demotion to AAA, and a post-hype prospect candidate it would certainly be understandable for an owner to want to rid themselves of Marisnick. Be there to snatch him up because there’s Top 25 OF potential with this guy.
