Drafted in the 16th round (492nd overall) by the New York Mets in 2011 (signed for $325,000).
View Draft Report
A shortstop from Odessa (Texas) HS, Marquez has electrifying speed, which helps him on both sides of the ball. At the plate, he shows a clean, line-drive stroke. His speed makes up for below-average power and he profiles as a leadoff hitter that might be best defensively at second base or center field. One of the best athletes available in the draft, Marquez rushed for 2,210 yards and 29 touchdowns as a high school senior, and he also was a Texas state finalist in the long jump. He has a football scholarship to play wide receiver at Texas Tech.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Intrigued by Marquez's athleticism and speed, the Mets will allow him to play wide receiver for Texas Tech for two years before he must decide whether he wants to pursue baseball or football. A 16th-round pick last June, he signed for $325,000 at the Aug. 15 deadline. Under MLB provisions for two-sport athletes, New York will spread his bonus over three years, and the club also agreed to pay his tuition for two years. A running back at Odessa (Texas) High, Marquez rushed for 2,210 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior, and he also was a Texas state finalist in the long jump. His top-of-the-scale speed translates to the baseball diamond, where he can get from home to first base in 4.0 seconds from the right side of the plate. He played shortstop in high school, but scouts envision him fitting best in center field because of his ability to cover so much ground. Marquez has a clean swing he uses to slash line drives into the gaps and then run. He has below-average power, but that's OK given his positional profile and projected role as leadoff batter. Marquez has a passion for baseball and sold New York on his makeup. Now all he needs is repetitions on diamond, which will be curtailed by his football commitment. Marquez didn't participate in instructional league and won't rejoin the Mets until his academic year ends in May. He'll make his pro debut in the Gulf Coast League after some time in extended spring training.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Athlete in the New York Mets in 2013
Rated Best Athlete in the New York Mets in 2012
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone