RADIO
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Brad Boxberger is a 2020 fantasy baseball draft value. His ADP is undervalued, making him a potential draft bargain and late-round sleeper to target.
BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~380
CURRENT ADP: ~470 overall
ANALYSIS: Boxberger hasn't been good since 2017 and hasn't been great since '14. He was particularly bad in '19 with the Kansas City Royals, putting up a 5.40 ERA that was backed up by his 5.45 xFIP. The Marlins were able to sign him to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, and he'll make a $1 million base salary if he makes the team.
Early reports from Grapefruit League play have been encouraging, as Boxberger reportedly has regained his velocity (hitting 97 in spring games) and is once again throwing an "alien curveball" that he hasn't thrown in a game in a few years. Offseason work with Driveline Baseball has helped him regain movement on his fastball, reportedly back to where it was in previous successful seasons. He's also finally healthy and has changed his delivery a bit.
Basically, the Marlins version of Boxberger may not be the same one that has struggled for two straight seasons. Currently, Brandon Kintzler is penciled in as closer for the Marlins, but it's not hard to see how manager Don Mattingly could salivate over Boxberger's team-leading career 77 saves. If all the hype about the new Boxberger is real, he could take the job (another bold prediction -- the Marlins flirt with a .500 season this year) before the Trade Deadline and then be dealt for a legitimate prospect before August begins.
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