Throughout the 2017-2018 offseason, The Drop will be profiling and scouting the top players under 25 in the game.
Will Marshall (RHP)
(Photo: Ryan M. Dute, Ryte Photography)
Will Marshall was a star player in his own Texas Wiffleball League for many years before breaking out on the national scene in 2017. Marshall’s velocity is his greatest and most obvious tool. A hard thrower to begin with, his pitches play up even more thanks to his deceiving frame and compact delivery. Marshall’s riser lacks the movement necessary to make it a plus pitch but the velocity allows it to remain an above average offering. His best pitch is a tailing dropper with a slight fade away from right handed hitters. He has command of both pitches and is able to locate them in and around the zone as needed. Marshall – who has plans to play semi-pro baseball in 2018 – is an excellent athlete and capable of getting three to four games deep in a tournament without any noticeable decline in stuff. The right hander from Frisco is still trying to find the best way to prepare the ball to achieve his desired results. A key to his future success may rest in his ability to find the ball and grip combo that gives him the most movement possible on his riser. In any event, Marshall can already stake a claim as one of the best active, full time pitchers outside of the northeast corridor. He has room to grow into one of the top pitchers in the nation.
As a timing device while at the plate, Will lifts his feet up and down in a stationary walking motion before the pitcher goes into his delivery. While his hands and the bat stay relatively quiet by comparison, the jittery set up makes him susceptible to both premium velocity and big breaking balls. Marshall has quick hands and a smooth swing, which would indicate significant power potential waiting to be unlocked. Marshall is already a disciplined hitter but like many young players he could use additional reps against high level pitching to improve his pitch recognition skills.
Given his athleticism, Marshall should be an above average defender. He is quick on his feet and has demonstrated the ability to make throws from the furthest parts of the infield with relative ease. At the Fast Plastic Texas Open, his defensive miscues were largely mental errors – the result of acclimating himself to the non-running version of the game. In all likelihood he will be an above average defender in the near future with his quickness and strong arm giving him the upside of an all-star caliber fielder.