Miami Marlins
· 2026-07-12
Miami Marlins added a promising right‑hander to their farm system on July 11, 2026, when they selected Oregon State pitcher Ethan Kleinschmit with the No. 52 overall pick in the MLB Draft. The 22‑year‑old boasts a 2.45 ERA and 115 strikeouts over 78 innings, giving Miami a fresh arm as the club sits 6th in the National League with a 52‑44 record and a two‑game losing streak.
Ethan Kleinschmit entered the draft after a standout junior year at Oregon State, where he posted a 9‑3 record and struck out a batter per inning. His fastball sits in the low‑90s with a sharp slider that generated 38% swing‑and‑miss rates. The Marlins’ scouting director, Jeff Stark, highlighted his poise under pressure, noting Kleinschmit’s ability to work deep into games and keep his walk total under two per nine innings.
Miami’s front office has been targeting high‑upside arms to bolster a bullpen that struggled in the first half of the season. With the club currently on a L2 streak after a 1‑4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on July 11, the need for fresh pitching depth is evident. Kleinschmit’s strikeout pedigree aligns with Miami’s emphasis on swing‑and‑miss stuff, and his college experience against strong Pac‑12 competition suggests he can handle the jump to professional hitters.
The Marlins have focused on a balanced approach, mixing college seniors with high‑school prospects. Kleinschmit represents the college‑ready piece that can potentially start in Low‑A this summer and move quickly through the system. The club’s recent 52‑44 record shows they’re competitive, but injuries to starters have exposed a thin rotation. Adding a pitcher who can command a fastball‑slider combo gives the organization flexibility for both the major‑league roster and its minor‑league affiliates.
Kleinschmit is expected to report to the Marlins’ rookie‑level camp in late July, where he’ll work with pitching coach Chris Cozens on refining his secondary offerings. If he adapts well, Miami could see him in High‑A by next season, potentially earning a spot in the bullpen or even a rotation swing. The Marlins’ scouting department will monitor his progress closely, especially his command of the slider, which could become a signature pitch at the big‑league level.
While Kleinschmit won’t impact the current roster, his addition signals Miami’s intent to stay competitive beyond the 2026 campaign. The club’s 6th‑place standing and recent loss to Cleveland underscore the urgency of reinforcing pitching depth. If the Marlins can develop Kleinschmit quickly, he could be a key piece in a rotation that aims to push the team into playoff contention next year.