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

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Outfielder Jud Fabian of the Florida Gators (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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.

More. Where Are They Now? Marlins First Round Picks. light

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.

A view of loanDepot Park (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

4. Will Taylor

School: Dutch Fork (SC)

A phenomenal multi-sport athlete committed to Clemson for both football and baseball, it’s clear why Taylor is considered one of the best pure athletes in this draft. Coming off a phenomenal 2021 season in which Taylor posted a 1.455 OPS and was named the 2021 South Carolina Gatorade High School Player of the Year, the 18-year old has only continued to rise up draft boards since.

light. More. Marlins 2021 MLB Draft Profile: OF Will Taylor

While Taylor is a strong hitter from the right-side of the plate, his one tool that is truly considered elite is his speed, grading as a 70 on MLB’s 20/80 scale. Still with plenty of room to develop, Taylor’s pure-athleticism and upside alone make him one of the more sought-after outfielders available in the first round.

3. Benny Montgomery

School: Red Land (PA)

If Taylor isn’t the top high school outfielder in this draft, the other option for the No. 1 ranking is Montgomery. The 2021 Pennsylvania Gatorade High School Player of the Year displays elite speed similar to Taylor, also grading as a 70, but sets himself apart with above-average raw power from the right-side of the plate.

More. Marlins 2021 MLB Draft Profile: OF Benny Montgomery. light

At 6’4 200 lbs., Montgomery is not necessarily as consistent a contact hitter as Taylor, but still has the ability to tap into that power, while also a plus-defender in the outfield with an above-average arm. The Virginia commit displays multiple above-average tools in his game, making Montgomery a prime candidate to be selected in the Top 20 overall picks in the first round.

Outfielder Colton Cowser #17 of Sam Houston State (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

2. Sal Frelick

School: Boston College

There are arguably two clear-cut top college outfielders in this draft with Frelick as the first. After slashing .345/.435/.521 during three seasons at Boston College, Frelick has positioned himself as a potential Top 10 overall pick in this draft, as well as one of the more sought-after players overall.

Similar to the previous two on this list, Frelick displays elite 70-grade speed along with an above-average contact grade from the left-side of the plate. An excellent defender also capable of playing any outfield position, Frelick is most-likely to come off the board by the time Miami is ready to select their first round pick, but if he is still available, the Miami Marlins should 100% consider taking the Boston College outfielder.

1. Colton Cowser

School: Sam Houston State

One of the best college bats in this class, you could make an excellent argument that Cowser is the top overall outfielder in this draft. After slashing .354/.460/.608 with 24 HR’s, 112 RBI’s, and 31 SB’s during three seasons at Sam Houston State, the 2021 Southland Conference Player of the Year’s offensively abilities in particular will be one of the most sought-after commodities in the upper first round of this draft.

More. Marlins 2021 MLB Draft Profile: OF Colton Cowser. light

Cowser is an advanced hitter at the plate that provides both consistent contact and power, as well as plus-speed that allows him to steal bases on a regular basis. Drawing comparisons to both Brandon Nimmo and Bradley Zimmer, Cowser is a potential Top 10 overall pick, but as was the same with Frelick previously, should 100% be on Miami’s radar should he fall out of the Top 10.

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The Miami Marlins could certainly be in play for an outfielder in the first round, but it mostly all depends on what happens to Cowser and Frelick. If either one of them are available, it’ll be hard to pass on one of arguably the two best outfielders in the draft. If not, does Miami look in other directions?

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