Miami Marlins draft preview: Gavin Cross

In our continuing series on draft options for the Miami Marlins at the upcoming draft, today we‘ll take a look at outfield prospect Gavin Cross. I had the privilege of speaking to his hometown newspaper about him, and today we‘ll take a look at whether he would be a good fit for The Fish. I covered the draft previously as you may remember. Here’s some more articles on the draft.

Gavin Cross is a good option for the Miami Marlins in the first round.

Gavin Cross looks pretty impressive going into the draft. Cross received 55 ratings for both his hitting and his power. He also received a 55 rating for his speed, which should both be an asset for him on defense and on the baseplates.

Here is what MLB.com wrote about him:

A left-hander at the plate, Cross does have the chance to be an above-average hitter with above-average power. Some evaluators have some concern about his contact rates and strike zone control, though he’s greatly improved his walk rate and cut down on the strikeouts this season while driving the ball consistently. A tick-above-solid runner, he’s played center field this spring, but is better suited for a corner outfield spot. He’s also seen time at first base and could be an outstanding defender there.Cross’ improved approach at the plate has helped Virginia Tech be one of the surprises of the college season. There are several Hokies who have the chance to go in the top five rounds and Cross is almost certain to become the first Virginia Tech hitter to go in the first round since the Dodgers took Franklin Stubbs in 1982.

I think that it’s promising that Gavin Cross is projected to potentially be an “above average” hitter. I do however worry that his defense is profiled as basically being shaky. He should be able to play center field with his speed, and the fact that it’s an issue is very concerning to me.

The concerns with Gavin Cross’s strike zone control worry me too, though he did seem to improve in that regard. At the end of the day I’m thinking that he’s a risky draft pick, and I would rather have a few other players rated above him instead.