Jacob

Berry

Berry was the sixth overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft and was in camp for the first time with the Marlins. He’s the most notable inclusion among the first batch of spring cuts for Miami. Rizzo and Mangum might have a shot to contribute at some point this season.

Berry was gobbled up by the Marlins with the sixth overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft. The Louisiana State University infielder will reportedly receive a $6.0 million signing bonus after displaying impressive switch-hitting pop at the collegiate level.

Berry was a star his freshman year in 2021 with 17 homers and a .352/.439/.676 slash, and expectations for him were high after he announced he’d transfer to LSU. While the numbers were nearly as good (1.115 OPS in 2021, 1.094 OPS in 2022), it’s fair to say that there are more questions after his sophomore season. They don’t come from power; Berry has plus-plus potential in his switch-hitting bat, and the hit tool is just a notch below because of his hand-eye coordination and ability to recognize pitches. The issues come defensively, as he’s not athletic enough for the outfield and third base seems like a stretch. That could make Berry a first baseman or DH, and while that means the bat has to max out, it still makes him fantasy relevant as someone who can help in at least two categories.