Squad includes three of Marlins’ top seven prospects, nine players with MLB experience and nine players who have logged time with Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In conjunction with the Miami Marlins, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have announced their preliminary roster for the 2021 season presented by FIS. The group features three of the top seven ranked prospects in the Marlins’ system according to MLB.com, nine players who have previously played in Jacksonville and nine who possess Major League experience. Additional players will be named to the final roster in the coming days.
The Jumbo Shrimp pitching staff will be headlined by Braxton Garrett. The 23-year-old lefty enters his sixth year in the Marlins’ organization and places as both their seventh-ranked prospect, and top left-handed pitcher. Selected in the first round (seventh overall) in 2016 out of Florence High School (Ala.), Garrett debuted in the Major Leagues in 2020, making two starts for Miami. Garrett also led the Team USA to victory in the 2015 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Japan.
At the plate, Lewin Díaz and Jesús Sánchez highlight the Jumbo Shrimp offensive attack. Díazenters the campaign ranked as the organization’s fifth-best prospect and the most highly touted fist baseman in the system. The 24-year-old was originally signed by the Minnesota Twins in 2013 out of the Dominican Republic. He was acquired by the Marlins in the 2019 deal that sent Sergio Romo to the Twin Cities. Díazwas added to the Marlins’ 40-man roster at the conclusion of the 2019 season, and made his Major League Debut in 2020, playing in 14 games for Miami. He also played in 31 games for Jacksonville in 2019.
Sánchezenters the year as the organization’s sixth-best prospect. Originally signed by Tampa Bay out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, the 23-year-old was acquired by Miami along with Ryne Stanek in a 2019 trade that sent Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards to the Rays. Sanchez was called up to the Major Leagues in August 2020, and played in 10 games for Miami.
Eddy Alvarez is another notable name that will be a part of the 2021 Jumbo Shrimp squad. The 30-year-old utility man enters his eighth season of professional baseball, following a speed skating career that saw him win a Silver Medal at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Alvarez made his Major League debut for the Marlins in 2020 and is believed to be the first United States Winter Olympian to become a Major League Baseball player.
Elsewhere on the roster, Josh A. Smith enters his 13th professional season and will aim to make it back to the major leagues after pitching previously in The Show for the Reds, A’s, Red Sox, and Marlins over the last six seasons. Preston Guilmet is another veteran on the squad, entering his 12th professional season. The right-hander made his Major League debut back in 2013 with Cleveland, and is trying to reach the big leagues with his seventh different MLB team.
The preliminary roster marks the first collection of players for a Triple-A team in Jacksonville since 1968. The Jumbo Shrimp open the 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4, with a six-game series against the Norfolk Tides. Gates open at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. at 121 Financial Ballpark.
2021 Preliminary Jumbo Shrimp Roster
Pitchers (11): Parker Bugg, Brett Eibner, Jake Fishman, Braxton Garrett, Alexander Guillen, Preston Guilmet, Luis Madero, Steven Okert, Cody Poteet, Josh A. Smith, Zach Thompson.
Catcher (1): Brian Navarreto
Infielders (5): Eddy Alvarez, Bryson Brigman, Lewin Díaz, Joe Dunand, Luis Marte
Outfielder (3): Corey Bird, Brian Miller, Jesús Sánchez
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.
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