Kevin Defrank

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #5 prospect in 2026
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/Extreme
  
  Adjusted Grade: 40
  
  Track Record: The Marlins were enamored of Defrank’s blend of raw stuff and athleticism when they signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 2025. They signed him for $560,000, handing him the fourth-largest bonus given to a pitcher in that international signing class. He quickly validated the investment, posting a 3.19 ERA with 34 strikeouts to 10 walks over 31 innings in the Dominican Summer League. He was 16 years old for most of the season.
  
  Scouting Report: Defrank stands out before even taking the mound. He boasts a listed 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame that’s unusually thick and muscular for a teenager. The Marlins were first drawn to his exceptional arm speed and athleticism, traits that allowed him to reach the mid 90s at signing and sit in the upper 90s now while occasionally touching triple digits. His fastball features both run and ride. It’s still a bit raw in shape but already overpowering for his age. He complements it with a plus changeup showing heavy sink and fade, along with a sweeping slider that many evaluators project as a future plus pitch. Defrank uses a high leg kick and a fluid three-quarters release that accentuates his arm speed. His physicality is an asset, but maintaining it will be crucial, because avoiding bad weight as he matures will be key to preserving his velocity and smooth delivery. Right now, he shows a standout combination of flexibility and power that allows him to get his body into ideal positions as he moves down the mound.
  
  The Future: Having turned 17 in August, Defrank could return to the DSL in 2026, with a U.S. debut later in the year well within reach. If he can maintain his athleticism and continue refining his delivery, he has the ingredients of a future frontline starter—though he remains several developmental steps away from realizing that potential.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Sweeper: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 45.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #19 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
  
  Track Record: De Frank’s stock was trending up when the international signing period opened on Jan. 15, 2025, and the Marlins signed him for $560,000 thanks to an exciting three-pitch mix and an athletic frame.
  
  Scouting Report: De Frank starts his arsenal with a fastball that has already gotten into the mid 90s. He backs with an advanced changeup that ranks as his best secondary weapon and a slider he shows solid feel to spin. His stuff could tick up as he matures and packs muscle onto his 6-foot-4, broad-shouldered frame.
  
  The Future: De Frank will begin his career in the Dominican Summer League. If he develops as the Marlins believe, he could become the next product of Miami’s impressive pitching development program.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 50.