Miami Marlins: Predictions for First Round of the 2021 MLB Draft

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Miami Marlins GM Kim Ng and CEO Derek Jeter (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

As the calendar has officially turned to July 11, 2021, it’s officially Day 1 of the 2021 MLB Draft for the Miami Marlins.

The MLB Draft brings one of the most exciting times of the baseball season. Not only do you get the excitement of any normal draft in any sport, but you get to add numerous players to your organization over the course of three days.

No, this draft doesn’t take place on a field, and no, you can’t win a trophy or anything during the MLB Draft. What you can do however is set yourself up to succeed for years to come to give yourself a chance to go win a World Series.

Now when looking at the draft itself, obviously the pick that sticks out most is the first round selection. Not only is this pick arguably the most impactful, but it is also most likely the selection that your overall draft will be judged on when you look back in a year or two.

Who will the Miami Marlins select in the 2021 MLB Draft?

The first round pick is obviously very important on who you select. I mean, teams have essentially been scouting these players for years right? It’s clear the importance of each pick in the MLB Draft, and how it will affect your club for years to come.

So, who will the Miami Marlins select in the upper rounds of this years draft? This is where we here at Marlin Maniac offer our thoughts on two separate things surrounding the Miami Marlins draft:

What Miami should do with their first three picks (1st, COMP, 2nd)
Who Miami will select in the first round (No. 16 overall)

So, here is our team at Marlin Maniac’s predictions for what we think the Miami Marlins will do in the upper rounds of the 2021 MLB Draft.

A view of the Miami Marlins logo (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Matt Melton

The Marlins could go in many different directions with their first round pick that will affect their other two early selections (Comp, 2nd). It certainly feels like a given that Miami will select a catcher very early in this draft, while also adding a middle infielder or left-handed pitcher early-on make sense as well.

When looking at what positions the Marlins will use their first three picks on, I’ll say catcher, shortstop, and pitcher (right or left). While catcher is a need that makes sense in the first round, don’t be surprised if Miami opts-to wait a little longer, potentially targeting Florida State catcher Matheu Nelson.

Alex Vargas

The Miami Marlins need help offensively, and they should seek that help early regardless of position. Selecting an impact outfielder makes sense in the first round, with another option potentially being IMG Academy (FL) product James Wood. While it may seem a bit of a stretch, Wood has some of the best potential among outfielders in this draft, in particular with his power from the left-side of the plate.

When looking at the 31st pick (Comp), they should target a positional need, with catcher and third base notable. The Marlins can look at Miami catcher Adrian Del Castillo, who is one of the best offensive catchers in this draft, along with third baseman Colson Montgomery who can play multiple positions in the infield.

The 2nd round pick should simply be used for the best player available. A pitcher could be an option here, but it should be a player that the organization feels will be useful in the near-future for years to come.

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

Matt Melton – C Harry Ford, North Cobb (GA)

The clear second top catcher in this draft, Ford displays some of the best bat-speed of any player available, as well as a history of making consistent loud contact. An outstanding athlete as well, Ford has plus-athleticism for a catcher which also gives him the ability to play multiple other positions as well. If the Marlins are looking for an impact catcher for years to come both offensively and defensively, Ford is a no-brainer should he fall to pick 16.

Alex Vargas – OF Colton Cowser, Sam Houston State

Coswer is one of the better bats in this draft class, and he should be selected at pick 16 if he is available. One thing this season has made evident is that the Marlins need bats in the lineup, as they have lacked power at times. Already an excellent hitter, Cowser displays average power with additional room for improvement. The Marlins should focus on offense in round one, with Cowser an easy pick if available.

Bryan Pyrtle – LHP Jordan Wicks, Kansas State

Unless UCLA shortstop Matt McLain somehow falls to the Marlins at 16, Wicks makes the most sense for a Miami farm system that could use a boost to its crop of southpaws. Though Wicks’ fastball only registers in the low-to-mid 90’s, it exhibits pretty high spin rates to make up for the lack of velocity. That heater is also complemented well by his changeup, the best pitch in Wicks’ arsenal, as well an above-average slider. Although his curveball could use some work, the lefty’s aptitude for consistently repeating his delivery and pounding the strike zone gives him a lot of upside.

Next. 5 Outfielders to Target in the 2021 MLB Draft. dark

So, now that you’ve heard our thoughts on the Miami Marlins plans for Round 1-2, what do you think Miami will or should do?

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Who will the Miami Marlins select in the 2021 MLB Draft?

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