Bad luck dooms Marlins in draft lottery. And new manager on who he’s excited to see

MLB’s draft lottery delivered nothing but misfortune for the Marlins on Tuesday.

Miami — which entered the random drawing with a 22.5% chance to land the top pick (tied with Colorado for the best odds) — learned they will select seventh overall in next July’s amateur draft.

The Marlins, who had the third-worst record in baseball at 62-100, entered the lottery guaranteed to pick no worse than eighth. The Rockies, who had the second worst record at 61-101, will pick fourth.

“It shows you how much luck is involved in this process, and it doesn’t reward you when you go through tough seasons,” MLB Network analyst and former Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said.

The Washington Nationals landed the top pick; they entered with the third-best odds (an 18% overall chance) to procure the top pick.

The Chicago White Sox, who had the worst record in baseball at 41-121, were ineligible for the top pick because they had the No. 1 pick last season and are a team that receives revenue sharing money. They will select 10th, the highest they were eligible to pick.

It’s too early to get a definitive read of what players could be in the mix for Miami with the seventh pick, but potential top-10 picks include Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella, FSU left-handed pitcher Jamie Arnold, Washington-based high school third baseman Xavier Neyens, UC-Santa Barbara right hander Tyler Bremner and California-based prep shortstop Brady Ebel.

Oklahoma prep shortstop Ethan Holliday and Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette enter 2025 as the front-runners to be the two two picks, in whatever order.

The lottery was conducted at MLB’s Winter Meetings in Dallas.

Former Marlins catcher Charles Johnson represented the Marlins on the dais.

THIS AND THAT

New Marlins manager Clayton McCullough named pitcher Edward Cabrera when asked what player he’s particularly excited to see next season.

“I had the chance for the last few years, a few opportunities where you are competing against him and those hitters weren’t fans of having to go up there and take that at-bat,” McCullough told reporters at the Winter Meetings. “It’s young, great stuff. There’s so much more in the tank there. I’m really excited about Edward Cabrera.... I think he’s ready for a breakout.”

Cabrera finished 4-8 with a 4.95 ERA in 20 starts last season, with 82 hits allowed, 50 walks and 107 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings.

Cabrera has battled several injuries and occasional control problems during his four-year career. His career numbers (all with the Marlins): 17-22 with a 4.32 ERA in 63 appearances (61 starts) with 328 strikeouts in 294 innings.

▪ Asked if he wants to keep shortstop Xavier Edwards at the top of the lineup, McCullough said: “Xavier had a terrific season last year at the top. High on-base ability. Impacts the game on the bases.”

Edwards hit .328 with a .397 on base average, with 31 stolen bases in 35 attempts, in 303 plate appearances and 70 games.

Asked for general comments on the roster, McCullough mentioned how first baseman/third baseman/designated hitter Jake Burger “last year [supplied] some power. [Third baseman] Connor Norby coming via trade this summer; [he has] a lot of upside.

“[Second baseman] Otto Lopez had a terrific year defensively. [Outfielder] Jesus Sanchez has some really big impact.

“I think that’s what’s exciting is it’s going to be opportunities for those there to... make an impact and grab ahold of some Major League spots.”

McCullough said “on the pitching side,” he’s pleased about “getting Sandy [Alcantara] and Jesus [Luzardo] back and Cabrera has a tantalizing arsenal and arm.”

Luzardo is drawing trade interest, per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. Luzardo didn’t pitch after June 16 last season because of a lumbar stress reaction. But he said in September that he’s fine and able to pitch.

▪ The Marlins enter Wednesday’s Rule 5 draft with one open spot on their 40-man roster. The Marlins reduced their roster to 39 on Monday by releasing right-handed pitcher Mike Baumann.