Miami Marlins: 5 Shortstops to Target in the 2021 MLB Draft

When looking at the positions that may be the deepest with top talent in the 2021 MLB Draft, there might not be a position group better than shortstop. Could one of these top shortstops be in play for the Miami Marlins?

As mentioned previously, this group of shortstops in this draft is loaded with talent. With four clear top high school options all most-likely Top 10 overall picks, the Marlins will likely not land any of the top names as they hold the No. 16 overall pick in the first round. Could they still land a highly-rated shortstop however?

The Miami Marlins may look for a shortstop in the 2021 MLB Draft.

When looking at the pure need at the position, it isn’t as glaring as other positions when looking up and down the Miami Marlins future roster depth. While it would make sense to wait for a shortstop, there are a few other names listed below that they could potentially consider selecting, even as early as the second round.

• Noah Miller – Ozaukee (WI)
• Cody Schrier – JSerra (CA)
• Alex Mooney – St. Mary’s Prep (MI)
• Jose Torres – NC State
• Ryan Bliss – Auburn

However, if the No. 1 name on this list somehow is still available when Miami selects their first round pick, he may be too-good to pass on despite the potential greater need at other positions. Onto the list…

5. Cody Morissette

School: Boston College

Morissette turned in a strong three seasons at Boston College slashing a combined .337/.400/.507 with 12 HR’s, 85 RBI’s, and 19 SB’s to cement himself as a potential first round pick in this draft. A quality athlete, Morissette has shown an ability to hit for contact on a consistent basis, while also showing power potential as well.

Morissette has spent time between shortstop, second base, and third base over the past three seasons, and projects well to play any at the next-level. Widely considered as a fringe first round talent, the 21-year old will be a player to monitor going forward, should he fall out of the first round.

2. Max Muncy

School: Thousand Oaks (CA)

Not related to the Dodgers first basemen, Muncy is the other high school shortstop along with Williams that is arguably just a step below the big four. Muncy offensively displays a right-handed swing that has the potential for above-average power down the road, while also displaying solid power right now.

An Arkansas commit, Muncy defensively could potentially transition to another infield position, but projects well to remain at shortstop going forward. Drawing a comparison to current Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson offensively with more power, it’s easy to see why Muncy is projected to come off the board early-on.

1. Matt McLain

School: UCLA

While it is currently unknown to whether McLain will fall to even be available at pick No. 16 for Miami, there is no denying that the top college shortstop in this draft is a bonafide Top 15 overall first round pick. A former first round pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2018 MLB Draft, McLain opted to attend UCLA where he slashed .279/.360/.478 with 16 HR’s, 85 RBI’s, and 16 SB’s in three seasons with the Bruins.

While the numbers may be a bit weighed down by a disappointing freshman season, McLain is still one of the best college hitters in this draft displaying an above-average hit tool and speed on the basepaths, along with strong defense with a plus-arm. One of the top overall college prospects in this draft, McLain might be too good to pass up if he is still on the board when Miami is on the clock in the first round.

While the Miami Marlins have depth at the shortstop position going forward, it’s clear that a few of these players might be too good to pass on if still available. Don’t be surprised if Miami selects a shortstop early-on, especially if McLain potentially falls in the first round.