Potential Draft Picks for the Miami Marlins

Miami is armed with the sixth pick in the 2013 draft, their second consecutive year with a top ten pick. This year’s first round crop is extremely top heavy, with a considerable drop off in talent after the top guys Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, and Kris Bryant, are off the board. With this in mind, teams may opt for higher floor prospects in college this year, and Miami is no different.

There’s also the economic factor during the draft, thanks to a salary cap and the consequences that go with breaking them. The draft is complex and many little factors could sway a club from one player to another.

In addition to the top three guys, I’ve picked seven potential draft targets for Miami may consider at tomorrow’s draft.

Braden Shipley, RHP, Nevada

Shipley is a college arm who after being recruited as a shortstop. didn’t start pitching until his sophomore year in college. Baseball America ranks him as the #8 predraft prospect, armed with a plus changeup and fastball and room to grow on two other offerings. His 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame and easy arm action makes him the type of high-floor, safe, and cheaper picks of the pitching crop. Miami has reportedly been tied to Shipley and will likely shoot for him if nobody drastically better—and cheaper—has fallen.

May 25, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels third baseman Colin Moran (18) throws out a runner at first during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the ACC baseball tournament at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Mandatory Credit: Liz Condo-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Moran, 3B, North Carolina

As if to one-up D.J. Peterson, Moran is seen by some as the most polished hitter in the draft with power to all fields. After an impressive career at North Carolina and his refined hitting ability, Moran will likely be off the board before Miami has a chance at him, but expect the Fish to happily pull the trigger if he’s still around.

Austin Meadows, OF, High School

Miami has also been eyeing Meadows, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound outfielder despite showing interest in mainly college prospects with higher floors and a faster track to the majors. Meadows’ athleticism in the outfield and mature batting approach makes him a top ten talent that Miami will strongly consider should he still be on the board.

Reese McGuire, C, High School

McGuire is a left-handed hitter who projects to hit for average and post middling power. Scouts praise his baseball IQ and athleticism behind the plate. His 6-foot-1, 190-pound build and excellent prowess are reasons for optimism, but according to Baseball America, “The question will be how much McGuire will hit.”

Reese’s value is riskier than other prospects listed here, and something strange would need to happen for the Marlins to choose him over the others despite his promise at his position and bat potential.

D.J. Peterson, 3B, New Mexico

6-foot-1, 205-pounds, and can hit. Peterson is heralded as one of the best bats in the draft, with legit power and projected plus average. His hitting has been what’s taken him this far, as his defense at third and running could leaves something to be desired, and could possibly see a position change in his career. His bat makes this an easy pick for the Marlins should the higher ranked talents are off the board and Miami is gunning for a high-floor bat.

Clint Fraizer, OF, High School

Fraizer may have the higher ceiling and more 5-tool potential than fellow prep bat Austin Meadows, but with skills that are a bit raw. Again, the Marlins have shown interest in more college talents than high school, and the high-ceiling gamble Fraizer could be off the board by Miami’s turn.

Kohl Stewart, RHP, High School

Stewart is considered the best high school pitcher in the draft. His stuff in the same ballpark as the older and more polished Appel and Gray. Stewart is also a quarterback committed to Texas A&M, which is unfortunate for him, as A&M seems pretty set with Heisman winner Johnny Manziel. With a high ceiling and high signability, he is unlikely to drop to Miami, who would be happy to draft him.