MLB Draft: Top 3 Candidates for the Marlins to Draft

3. Tyler Kolek, RHP

Age and School: 18, Shepherd High School, Texas
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 240 lbs.
Position: Pitcher

“The Marlins select a hard throwing right hander from the Texas area with the number two overall pick.”

Where have we heard that before? That’s right, with Josh Beckett in the 1999 MLB draft.

Kolek possess a fastball that has already been clocked in the triple digits in his High School games. He is destined to be a lock to be chosen in the top 5, barring a miraculous change in fate.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, or any team that drafts Kolek, he seems to be a pitcher that could move a little slower through a minor league system, then say someone like Brady Aiken. This is often the case with most power throwing pitchers, as they have to learn how to pitch more than just throwing a baseball.

Along with the electric fastball, Kolek possess a strong slider and curveball, both of which also have more room to improve. He also throws a changeup, but that is going to be a work in progress, as he works his way through any organization that drafts him.

In his senior year of High School, Kolek struck out 126 strikeouts and walked just 8 in 60 2/3 innings of work.

Kolek would be a great pick for the Marlins at number 2, as he has potential to be the next Josh Beckett or Jose Fernandez for the franchise. He however would be a bigger project than any of the other draft picks that the Marlins may consider.