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

The Miami Marlins have a recent history of selecting outfielders in the first round as they have used their top pick on the position in two of the last three MLB Drafts.

However, is there as great of a positional need in this year’s draft because of this?

Do the Miami Marlins need an outfielder in the first round?

Think about it, while the talent at the position is among the best of any group in this years MLB Draft, is there actually a need in the outfield for the Marlins going forward?

Even despite the unknown future of star outfielder Starling Marte with the club, the Marlins currently have two of the best outfield prospects in all of baseball in JJ Bleday and Jesus Sanchez. Along with multiple other top prospects including Victor Mesa Jr, Peyton Burdick, and more, the depth at the position is evident.

However, Miami will most likely select an outfielder at some point, with these players outside of the first round as likely candidates:

• Joshua Baez – Dexter Southfield (MA)
• Jay Allen – John Carroll Catholic (FL)
• Ethan Wilson – South Alabama
• Tyler Whitaker – Bishop Gorman (NV)
• James Wood – IMG Academy (FL)

When looking solely at the first round though, could Miami actually land one of the top outfielders in this draft? While the dominoes may have to fall a certain way for potentially a chance at the top guys, the Miami Marlins could be perfectly positioned to land one of the other top names.

5. Jud Fabian

School: Florida

The Florida native has some of the best pure power offensively in this draft, grading out at as 60 on MLB’s 20/80 scale. Slashing a combined .249/.366/.512 during three seasons at Florida, Fabian has showcased his powerful right-handed swing in particular in 2021 with 20 HR’s on the year, even drawing some comparisons in the process to current Dodgers star Mookie Betts with his bat speed.

While there are concerns about swing-and-miss at times, the 20-year old’s power makes up for it, while his above-average speed certainly helps on the basepaths, and should allow him to remain and excel defensively in center field going forward. Despite some contact concerns offensively, Fabian’s track record playing against elite competition in the SEC is certainly impressive, making him an intriguing outfield target in the first or second round.