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.

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.

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.

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.