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Miami Marlins: 10 Pitchers to Target in the 2021 MLB Draft

By Matt Melton|
OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 30: Will Bednar #24 of the Mississippi St. pitches against Vanderbilt in the bottom of the first inning during game three of the College World Series Championship at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha on June 30, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 30: Will Bednar #24 of the Mississippi St. pitches against Vanderbilt in the bottom of the first inning during game three of the College World Series Championship at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha on June 30, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Miami Marlins
Pitcher Andrew Painter playing with Team USA (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

6. Gunnar Hoglund

School: Ole Miss

Aside from the Big 3 college right-handers in this draft, you won’t find many college arms better than Hoglund. After being selected in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of high school, Hoglund decided to attend Ole Miss where he posted a combined 3.68 ERA across three seasons.

The 21-year old was widely considered as a Top 10 overall pick in this draft before suffering an arm injury during the 2021 season requiring Tommy John Surgery. Regardless of injury, Hoglund is still a likely first round pick this year, and may end up being the steal of the draft as he sports a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, all of which are considered above-average, to pair with plus-control.

5. Bubba Chandler

School: North Oconee (GA)

One of the more intriguing likely first round selections in this draft is Chandler, who is rated highly as both a right-handed pitcher and a shortstop. Currently committed to Clemson to play both football and baseball, most scouts believe that Chandler has more potential on the diamond, but where will he play?

An excellent pitcher with an above-average fastball and curveball, along with a solid slider and changeup, Chandler also is viewed as a solid switch hitter and a plus-fielder at shortstop with an elite arm at the position. Regardless of what position he settles at going forward, there is no denying that his athleticism and versatility alone make Chandler one of the most intriguing first round talents in this draft.

4. Andrew Painter

School: Calvary Christian (FL)

When making the argument for the top high school pitcher in this draft, you could certainly make an excellent case for the Florida-native Painter. Standing at 6’7, Painter has some of the best command among prep arms available, while also showcasing strong pure stuff led by three above-average pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup), along with an improving slider.

One of the top high school pitchers in the country during the 2021 season, Painter showcased his abilities by striking out over 50% of opposing batters en route to being named the 2021 Florida Gatorade High School Player of the Year. If the Miami Marlins are looking for a high school pitcher in the first round, there aren’t many better options available than selecting the right-hander from their own state.

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