Max Meyer, a Minnesota native and the third overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, has been called up to the Miami Marlins’ roster.
The former University of Minnesota and Woodbury High School pitching standout was all smiles when his minor league coach shared the news with him on Thursday.
“What was the one thing you said you wanted to accomplish when you got drafted?” asked Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp manager, Daren Brown.
“Winning a ring, that’s about it,” the 23-year-old replied.
“Where do you want to win a ring?” Brown asked.
“The big leagues,” Meyer responded.
Brown replied, “Well, we’re sending you to Miami tomorrow.”
Meyer responded with a big grin, saying “I appreciate it,” before ultimately letting out a “I’m pumped, let’s go!” once the news started to sink in.
Meyer was named a finalist for Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball award in 2016 and 2017. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 34th round in 2017 but opted to play for the Gophers. During his time there, Meyer made multiple All-American teams and was the university’s highest draft pick since MLB Hall of Famer, Paul Molitor, who was selected third overall in the 1977 MLB Draft.
According to MLB.com, Meyer has spent the last two seasons with Miami’s Triple-A team in Jacksonville. In two years, he made 14 starts, going 3-5 while allowing 25 earned runs in 68 total innings, compiling a 3.38 ERA. He also struck out 82 batters while allowing only 25 walks and 45 hits.
Meyer is currently rated by MLB Pipeline as the No. 21 overall prospect in baseball and the No. 2 overall prospect in Miami’s system.
He will make his first professional start for the Marlins Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
