Miami Marlins Adam Conley: Waiver Wire Add

By Brad Kelly | Apr 17, 2016

Apr 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Adam Conley (61) throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Conley is an intriguing young arm for the Miami Marlins and looks the part of a potential fantasy asset. Can fantasy owners now give him a look off the waiver wire?

The Miami Marlins have all the roster talent needed to make some noise in the N.L., but they seem to never be able to put it together over one season. While marquee names like Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez, and Dee Gordon get the most attention, the Fish could have a new youngster ready to make a name for himself. That player could very well be young left-handed pitcher, Adam Conley.

Conley was a second round draft pick for the Marlins in 2011 out of Washington State, and the organization has always had high expectations for him. Conley is not a flamethrower by any means, as he only tops out around 93 mph, but his unique delivery and arsenal make up for any lack of velocity.

He stands at 6’3, and the way his delivery is, he looks even taller on the mound. Much like his most common pro comp, Chris Sale, Conley is all arms and legs in his delivery and that leads to added deception with his stuff. His fastball has rising movement in the zone, his changeup dips sharply and his slider breaks just to keep batters off balance.

Conley started to generate some fantasy buzz this spring after he saw increased velocity and generally looked more polished on the bump. His slider still needs work, but his fastball/changeup combo is good enough to get batters out.

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His minor league career has been up and down as he excelled in 2012 and 2013, struggled mightily in 2014, yet was outstanding in 2015. Last season he posted an AAA line of, 2.52 ERA/1.16 WHIP/81 K, albeit in the hitter’s paradise that is the PCL. That success saw him get a call up to the majors, where he started 11 games and posted a 3.76 ERA/1.28 WHIP/59 K line.

Heading into the 2016 season, Conley had to win a job out of the spring, which he was able to, and now it seems as though he has the potential to be relied on as a middle of the rotation arm. Marlins Park is one of the best pitchers park in baseball and Conley’s fantasy value will always see a boost when he is able to call that home. The Marlins lineup has the pieces to be a force, so he should also be line for his share of wins and run support as well.

Conley first start this season was a rain shortened outing versus the Nationals where he gave up three runs before exiting after the first inning after a prolonged rain delay. His next start came against the Mets in New York, where he was able to toss six shutout innings while striking out a career high nine batters. His fantasy value seems to be on the rise, and with his ever improving arsenal, he could be in line to be a premium waiver wire add.

Next: Philadelphia Phillies: Jerad Eickhoff: Wavier Wire

He has two starts this week against the Nationals in Miami and versus the Giants in San Fran. This is a great chance for Conley to really establish himself as a fantasy talent against two of the better lineups in baseball. Fantasy owners should pounce on him now before other owners start to wise up, so make him a priority add heading into Week 3.

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