Miami Marlins 2024 MLB Draft Review
Following the 2024 MLB Draft, we’re taking a deeper look at each individual draft class. Below, find one overarching takeaway from the draft, plus a full scouting report on the most interesting pick on days two and three. You can see all 30 draft reviews here.
Draft Theme: Well-Rounded Bats
The Marlins selected well-regarded high school hitters with their first two selections. While OF PJ Morlando came off the board a bit sooner than expected, he does possess one of the best hit/power combinations in this year’s class, while SS Carter Johnson has a chance for an above-average hit tool and average power, as well. A few of the college hitters the Marlins selected in later rounds have a chance to hit for both average and power, including 3B Gage Miller and OF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart. Their day three names are intriguing, with post-hype college shortstops like Cody Schrier and Cam Clayton, as well, as the lone Alaskan of the draft: C Coen Niclai in the 15th round.
Most Interesting Day 2 Pick: RHP Grant Shepardson, 5th round
Shepardson is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound righthander who has been a helium name for scouts in Colorado during the 2024 spring season. He made a significant step forward with his velocity and now throws his fastball in the 90-95 mph range after pitching in the upper 80s and touching 93 in 2023. He also has impressive feel to spin a slider around 80 mph that has big spin rates and above-average potential with late turning action. Shepardson primarily uses his fastball/slider combination but he does throw a four- and two-seam variation of the fastball that have different shapes. He pitched at the MLB Draft combine in June where he showed potential with an 87-88 mph changeup that flashed tons of tumble and fading life and could be a key piece of his arsenal moving forward, as well as a slower curveball at 79-80 mph. He throws from a fair delivery and three-quarters slot and has been a scattered strike-thrower in the past, which combined with his primary two-pitch mix, adds some reliever risk. Shepardson is committed to San Francisco where his brother, Blake, currently pitches but if he’s signable could be picked early on the second day of the draft.
Most Interesting Day 3 Pick: C Coen Niclai, 15th round
It’s rare to have prominent prospects from Alaska but Niclai is an intriguing catcher from the state with a powerful 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame and some tools to go with it. His raw power and arm strength are the calling cards of the profile and both tools are either above-average now or are easy projections to be in the near future. He’ll need to work to stick behind the plate because of his size and the fact that his actions are a bit light for the position currently. If he doesn’t catch he’ll move off to first base or a corner outfield spot as a well below-average runner which changes the complexion of his profile significantly. Niclai performed on the circuit and also played in Arizona during the 2024 spring so he’s been seen by decision makers more than you might expect for an Alaskan player. He’s committed to Oregon.
