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USATI

Major League Baseball's owners may have locked out the players, triggering the league's first work stoppage since 1994-95 and bringing the offseason to a halt, but that doesn't mean we're letting it derail our typical offseason plans. Indeed, CBS Sports is in the process of highlighting the top three prospects for all 30 teams, as well as naming the top 50 prospects in the minors, regardless of team affiliation. 

That journey finds us today focusing on the Miami Marlins' farm system. 

Do note that these lists are formed after conversations with scouts, analysts, and player development folks from around the league. There is personal bias baked in, as one would expect from subjective exercises, so some disagreement is to be expected.

Now, onto the gasbaggery. 

1. Kahlil Watson, SS

Watson, who slid to the middle of the first round, could prove to be one of the biggest steals of the draft. He has a beautiful left-handed swing that he delivers with an explosiveness that bodes well for his quality of contact. His boosters across the industry believe he'll develop into a well-rounded hitter as he gains experience against more advanced pitching. Opinions are more split on his long-term defensive home, with some evaluators envisioning him ending up in the outfield, where his above-average speed and arm strength could make him a dynamic asset. 

2. Eury Perez, RHP

Not to be confused with the former big-league outfielder with whom he shares a name, this Perez is a lanky, 6-foot-8 right-hander who posted a 1.96 ERA and a 4.15 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 20 starts in Low- and High-A. Perez's fastball sat in the mid-90s with big-time spin and boring action. His curveball beats out his changeup as his best secondary offering, though that isn't surprising given he won't celebrate his 19th birthday until next April. Perez, whose frame looks like it should hold more muscle as he matures, has above-average starter potential; the Marlins just need to be disciplined with how they approach his development.  

3. Max Meyer, RHP

Meyer, the third pick in the 2020 draft, split his professional debut between Double- and Triple-A, amassing a 2.27 ERA and a 3.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 111 innings. He continues to have two plus or better offerings, in his fastball and his signature slider. Meyer still needs to work on his changeup and his command. His progress in that arena will ultimately dictate if he's able to stick in the middle of a rotation, or if he's cast as a late-inning reliever. Meyer should make his big-league debut sometime next season, so he might have to learn on the job.