Max Meyer DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer, who didn't throw a pitch 97 mph or faster in 2024, topped out at 97.7 mph in his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday against the division-rival New York Mets. Meyer threw only 13 pitches (seven strikes) and walked one in an inning of work and looked to be throwing only four-seam fastballs and sliders, with one sinker mixed in. The 25-year-old spent more time in the weight room this offseason, which could be attributed to his impressive velocity early on this spring. In his return from Tommy John surgery last year, the former third overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Minnesota was inconsistent as the Fish managed his workload, posting a 5.68 ERA and 1.42 WHIP while striking out 46 in 57 innings over 11 starts. If the restrictions are off in 2025, Meyer is a post-hype prospect to target in the later rounds of deeper leagues.

ElExtraBase's Daniel Alvarez-Montes reports that Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer (shoulder) is working on a new sweeper that has looked really good early in spring training as he faces hitters during live batting practice. Meyer looked good initially in 2024 in his return from Tommy John surgery before being sent to the minors to preserve his innings. When the 25-year-old returned to Miami later in the year, he wasn't as good before being shut down in September due shoulder bursitis. The 25-year-old is a full-go in camp this spring and should be on the radar of fantasy managers in deeper leagues as a post-hype sleeper. The former third overall pick in 2020 had a 5.68 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 11 starts last year with 46 strikeouts in 57 innings. It's possible the Marlins slow-play Meyer again early on in 2025, but he's still worth a late-round flier for his upside.

Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer (shoulder) faced hitters for the first time on Friday in spring training during a live batting practice session. Meyer appears to be on track to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in late March despite having his season cut short last September due to right-shoulder bursitis. As long as the 25-year-old doesn't have a setback during spring training, he figures to open the year in Miami's Opening Day rotation after going 3-5 with a 5.68 ERA (5.90 FIP) and 1.42 WHIP with a 46:19 K:BB in 57 innings covering 11 starts. His numbers last year should be taken with a grain of salt after recovering from Tommy John surgery in a season in which the Marlins purposefully held him back by sending him to the minors. Their remains plenty of upside for the former third overall pick, and he's worth a late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues, even if he begins the year back in the minors.