J.J. Bleday All Day: Miami Marlins Choose Vanderbilt Star

With the fourth overall choice in the 2019 MLB Entry Draft, the Miami Marlins took J.J. Bleday out of Vanderbilt.

J.J. Bleday is a 6’3″, 205 lb. lefty-hitting and throwing outfielder from Pennsylvania, and the NCAA’s leading home run hitter in 2019. The Miami Marlins have traditionally chosen prep players with their early picks – but not this time. Bleday has clobbered 26 homers this season after totaling only six in his first two collegiate seasons.

J.J. Bleday was decent prior to attending Vanderbilt, garnering a 39th round choice of the San Diego Padres in 2016. In his first season, he hit .256 in 51 games. As a sophomore, he pushed his average waaaay up – to .368 in 39 contests. Like I said, though, he totaled only six round-trippers over those two seasons.

In 2019, Bleday seemed to find his power stroke – and not “just barely” either. His 26 home runs lead the collegiate ranks, and he’s not exactly embarrassing himself with a .354/.468/.747 slash line – with 51 strikeouts and 50 walks to his credit over 61 games.

I think as you get more mature in the box, more comfortable, you’re better able to hone your approach and get a little bit stronger. – Bleday, per MLB.COM

Bleday’s bat-skills are already well-honed – he could be ready for the Miami Marlins major league organization as soon as next season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a debut soon with the double-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in the Southern League.

Not a speed-threat on the base paths, Bleday is well-suited to a corner outfield spot with the Miami Marlins. As a lefty, he will represent continued difficulty to opposing managers making adjustments, especially with his advanced power stroke.

Keep it locked in here for all of your 2019 MLB Entry Draft news.