Miami Marlins 2021 MLB Draft Profile: RHP Gunnar Hoglund

The Miami Marlins will be selecting 16th overall in the First Round of the 2021 MLB Draft. We here at Marlin Maniac will be covering all things surrounding the Marlins’ Draft from player profiles leading up to the big event to predictions, breakdowns, rumors, and more both during and after the July 11-13 MLB Draft.

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Miami Marlins 2021 MLB Draft Profile: RHP Gunnar Hoglund

The next draft prospect up in our Marlins 2021 MLB Draft Profile is right-handed pitcher Gunnar Hoglund.

Originally from Hudson, FL, Hoglund attended Dayspring Academy for academics, but played his athletics at Fivay High School in Port Richey, FL. A multi-sport athlete, Hoglund shined on the baseball field in particular posting a combined 16-10 record with a 1.31 ERA and 310 strikeouts during his four prep years.

After a phenomenal high school career, Hoglund was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with a Supplemental First Round pick (36th overall) in the 2018 MLB Draft. However, after issues surrounding a post-Draft physical, Hoglund elected to attend Ole Miss where he made an instant impact from day one in the weekend rotation.

Filling the “Sunday starter” role for the Rebels, Hoglund struggled during his freshman season posting a 5.29 ERA across 17 appearances. After entering the 2020 season as the Rebels “Saturday starter,” the right-hander was outstanding posting a 3-0 record with a 1.16 ERA across four starts with four walks and 37 strikeouts before the season was cancelled.

After a strong 2020 showing, Hoglund entered the 2021 season as a Consensus Preseason All-American, and one of the top pitchers in all of college baseball. As you’d expect, Hoglund lived up to the hype going 4-2 with a 2.87 ERA with 17 walks and a by-far career-high 96 strikeouts in 11 starts.

Hoglund unfortunately suffered an injury to his elbow in May, which caused the presumed Top 10 overall pick to undergo Tommy John surgery ending his season. While this injury may have caused the 21-year old right-hander to potentially fall out of the Top 10, Hoglund however should not fall too far in the First Round.

Rated as the No. 22 overall prospect in this Draft by MLB.com, Hoglund displays a legit 3-pitch mix including a fastball, slider, and changeup. While the 21-year old also displays a solid curveball, he might not throw it as often as the other three.

Standing at 6’4, Hoglund has shown an ability to command each of his pitches, along with showing strong strikeout potential. Despite his recent elbow injury, his combination of pure stuff with his proven success playing against elite competition in the SEC should leave no-doubt that Hoglund is a top-half of the First Round talent.

When looking at collegiate right-handed arms available in this Draft, there are arguably few better than Hoglund. A potential Top 10 talent before the injury, should the Miami Marlins select Hoglund should he fall to them at pick 16?