Miami Marlins select C Joe Mack No. 31 Overall in 2021 MLB Draft

After selecting SS Kahlil Watson with the No. 16 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins have now made their second selection of the night.

The Miami Marlins select C Joe Mack No. 31 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.

The Marlins came into this draft with an arguable glaring need at catcher, and they got their guy by selecting high school catcher Joe Mack (Williamsville East, NY) with the No. 31 overall pick.

Mack is widely considered as one of the Top 3 overall catchers in this draft, as well as the No. 19 overall prospect available according to MLB Pipeline. Considered as a prominent catcher since his freshman year of high school, it’s clear that Mack was one of the best players available at the position.

The 18-year old is one of the best two-way catchers in this draft, displaying a left-handed swing that produces both consistent contact and power. Mack however sets himself apart defensively behind the plate as he has a plus-arm with an excellent pop-time, consistently clocked under 1.9 seconds.

When looking at Mack’s scouting grades, it’s clear why Mack can be an impact catcher in the Marlins organization from day one (Courtesy of MLB.com).

• Hit – 55
• Power – 50
• Run – 40
• Arm – 60
• Field – 50
• Overall – 50

Still only 18-years old, Mack is still years away from a potential big league debut, but should instantly become Miami’s top catching prospect, a position that was lacking for depth in the organization. The Marlins struck gold when Watson fell to them at pick No. 16, and at first-glance, it certainly appears the same has happened here with Ford at pick No. 31.

The Marlins have had an outstanding first two selections of the 2021 MLB Draft, with more to come on Monday and Tuesday. With multiple selections to come over the next two days, there are certainly some positions of need that Miami may target early-on. Will this success from Day 1 carry over for the Marlins to Day 2?