2017 MLB Draft Grades: Miami Marlins

Best Pure Hitter: CF Brian Miller (1s) hit .345 for his last two seasons at North Carolina and walked more than he struck out, then hit .322 while making consistent contact with low Class A Greensboro after signing. He has a line-drive swing path.

Best Power Hitter: SS/3B Joe Dunand (2) has a swing path that produces backspin and plenty of strength to earn plus raw power. He hit 18 in the spring for North Carolina State, tied for 21st in Division I, and one in eight pro games in an injury-plagued debut.

Fastest Runner: Miller turns in 70-grade times to first base at his best, and his speed has helped him become a capable defender in center field, which he’s only played for two seasons.

Best Defensive Player: Dunand played shortstop the last two seasons and in his pro debut but has the hands and arm strength to be a plus defender at third base.

Best Athlete: A fourth-year junior, SS Demetrius Sims (14) is old for the class, but the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder moves well for his size and has a potential power-speed combination in an athletic, physical frame.

Best Fastball: At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, LHP Trevor Rogers (1) has the lean, lanky frame for projection and the current leverage in his delivery to pump 93-94 mph fastballs with ease, reaching as high as 95-97 at his best. His velocity and low three-quarters slot have evoked comparisons to Andrew Miller.

Best Secondary Pitch: RHP Taylor Braley (6) starred as a two-way player at Southern Mississippi, but the Marlins wanted the burly 5-foot-11, 240-pounder for his plus changeup, which they grade as a 65/70 pitch on the 20-80 scale.

Best Pro Debut: Miller stole 21 bases in 27 tries in his .322/.384/.416 stint at low Class A Greensboro. RHP Matt Givin (20), a Colorado high school product, gave up only one earned run (four runs total) in seven short starts in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, turning in a 0.39 ERA.

Most Intriguing Background: Dunand’s mother Susy is the brother of Alex Rodriguez, and Dunand has learned the game at the foot of his famous, 696-homer hitting uncle.

Closest To The Majors: Miller, who went to North Carolina, and Dunand were friendly rivals in college and will have a friendly rivalry of who will get to the majors first.

Best Late-Round Pick: Givin signed for $458,000 as one of the Marlins’ three above-slot signees after the 10th round. He has projection at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, a clean arm and present 88-92 mph velocity to go with the ability to spin a breaking ball.

The One Who Got Away: The Marlins signed every player through the first 25 rounds. LHP Tyler Holton (35) was a second-team All-American in the spring and returns to Florida State as a junior.