Miami Marlins Prospect Primer: Joe Dunand

Joe Dunand was Miami’s second round pick in 2017. A left-side infielder from Miami, FL, the hometown future-Marlin has raw power for days and a plus arm.

The Draft

The Miami Marlins came into the second round of the 2017 draft with two picks already in the can. They picked prep lefty pitcher Trevor Rogers with the 13th overall pick in the first round, and speedy outfielder Brian Miller out of UNC in the second. Rogers is Miami’s number six prospect, and Miller is their 12th.

Dunand was picked 51st overall, in the second round. Much has been made of Dunand’s familial connection: he’s the nephew of Alex Rodriguez. Thing is, that should be like the eighth thing you learn about him. Even so, check out the similarity:

The Marlins signed Dunand with a $1.2 million bonus out of NC State. As a member of the Wolfpack, he really came into his own in his age-21 season. He smacked 18 homers with 51 RBI in 61 games, slashing .287/.368/.632. He was chosen as much for his power stroke as for his potential to hit for average.

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The Present

Dunand, Miami’s 19th ranked prospect, is his own player, completely apart from his possible Hall-of-Fame uncle. He’s started out the 2018 campaign with the Jupiter Hammerheads, and after five games already has seven RBI. In his minor league career, He’s gone 18-for-48, with seven doubles, a triple, and two homers. He’s whiffed 11 times in 48 professional plate appearances, and has slashed .375/.456/.688 in the admittedly small sample size of 13 games. He’s not much of a base stealing threat.

Dunand also owns a plus arm, and is equally at home at third base or at shortstop. Last season at shortstop, he put up a 1.000 fielding percentage in 34 total chances over 58 innings of play. This season, he’s made two errors in 25 chances. The Hammerheads are planning to groom him at third base as well, because options.

The Future

While Dunand doesn’t have what you would consider “natural” tools at shortstop, his athleticism is allowing him to compete at the position. Eventually though, he’s going to wind up at third base. We can reasonably expect to see Dunand with the Miami Marlins for the 2020 regular season.

Next: Fish Farm Report: April 9th

In the meantime, expect Dunand to hold down the hot corner in Jupiter. Thanks for reading this prospect piece. Like us on Facebook, follow us @MarlinManiac on Twitter, and keep us bookmarked for all your Marlins news.