Christian Marrero

CHRISTIAN MARRERO
CORNER OUTFIELDER
  Born: July 30, 1986
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Drafted: 22nd Round, 665th Overall, 2005 (White Sox)
How acquired: Trade from Braves (for Brian Friday)
 College: Broward CC (FL)
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES
Marrero is the brother of Nationals prospect Chris Marrero.  He was never a toolsy player, but drew interest due to solid power and a good eye at the plate.  He hit very well at times with the White Sox, but never got added to the 40-man roster.

2006
R+:  252/337/360, 242 AB, 17 2B, 3 HR, 30 BB, 37 K, 1-1 SB

Marrero showed good plate discipline in his debut in advanced rookie ball.  He played right field.

2007
R+:  305/383/561, 269 AB, 21 2B, 6 3B, 12 HR, 36 BB, 43 K, 3-5 SB

The White Sox sent Marrero back to the same level for another year and he dominated at the plate while playing first.  It was enough to get him ranked as the Sox’ 17th best prospect by Baseball America.

2008
A:  273/355/431, 436 AB, 29 2B, 5 3B, 10 HR, 54 BB, 89 K, 11-16 SB

Marrero did reasonably well in his first year in full-season ball.  He split his time between first and right.

2009
A+:  314/357/482, 226 AB, 15 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 11 BB, 44 K, 2-5 SB
AA:  301/340/520, 229 AB, 15 2B, 1 3B, 11 HR, 18 BB, 50 K, 1-2 SB 

Marrero had an excellent season, split between high A and AA.  He again split his time between the outfield corners and first, which he’d continue to do thereafter.  One concern would have been the sudden worsening of his strikeout and walk rates.  He was ranked the White Sox’ #21 prospect after the season.

2010
AA:  270/363/383, 488 AB, 28 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 72 BB, 85 K, 12-17 SB

Marrero spent the season back in AA.  His plate discipline improved dramatically from the year before, but his power largely disappeared.

2011
AA:  293/385/476, 420 AB, 25 2B, 8 3B, 12 HR, 61 BB, 69 K, 10-14 SB

The Sox sent Marrero back to AA for a third time and he had a strong all-around offensive season.  The White Sox sent him for cash to the Braves after the season.

2012
AA (Atl):  250/389/393, 28 AB, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 BB, 7 K, 1-1 SB
AA (Pgh):  200/235/400, 15 AB, 1 HR, 6 K
AAA (Atl):  247/347/392, 194 AB, 14 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 29 BB 40 K, 6-11 SB
AAA (Pgh):  182/333/318, 22 AB, 1 HR, 5 BB, 4 K, 0-1 SB 

Marrero spent most of his time with the Braves getting his first exposure to AAA.  He continued to draw walks, but didn’t hit well enough for a corner player.  At the end of July the Braves traded him to the Pirates for Brian Friday in an exchange of organizational players.  The Pirates probably needed upper level outfield help with Robbie Grossman traded and Starling Marte in the majors.  Marrero played just a little for Altoona and Indianapolis, but was also hurt part of the time.

Marrero will be eligible for free agency after the season.
STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2012: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2006
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2012
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 8, 2004: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round, 611th overall pick.
June 8, 2005: Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 22nd round, 665th overall pick; signed on June 6, 2006 as a draft-and-follow.
March 27, 2012: Traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.
July 28, 2012: Traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Brian Friday.