MLB 2024 Draft: Miami Marlins switch gears

Miami, Florida – Now that we’ve had about two weeks to marinate on the MLB Draft, it is time to weigh in on the Miami Marlins’ first four picks. As with every year, this is one of the times the ballclubs have the opportunity to restock their farm systems. Heading into the season, Miami ranked among the worst farm systems in the league checking in at No. 29 according to MLB and Bleacher Report. At the time some of the top names were Noble Meyer, Thomas White, and Max Meyer—all pitchers. The Fish have tumbled big since being in the top 10 (rank 6) before the 2022 season. Part of this is because they graduated Eury Pérez, one of their best, from the list.

2024 draft class getting a taste of the 305 pic.twitter.com/WOM0F0tp2H

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 26, 2024

Compared to previous drafts, this year’s is the first since 2021 that the Fish picked four straight hitters. This is a noticeable shift considering the Marlins are far more successful developing pitchers than hitters. The most recent examples of disappointing bats are JJ Bleday and Kahlil Watson. Keep in mind, however, that the front office is now led by Peter Bendix. Without further ado, let’s see the crop.

OF PJ Morlando: signed for $3,400,000 (slot value $4,704,700)

This left-handed hitter is the first guy the Marlins went with. Morlando is considered the #43 prospect overall per MLB. He fell on the Marlins’ lap due to slipping in value regarding concerns about his power. Morlando only hit a pair of homers in high school this year, although, PJ was pitched around a lot. For example, in 18 consecutive plate appearances during his senior season at Summerville (S.C.) High School, Morlando saw 18 intentional walks.

What an emotional PJ Morlando had to say just moments after being picked by the Miami Marlins.

The Summerville grad, set to begin his pro baseball journey. Immediately after the interview, his phone rang, and it was Marlins brass again, calling to work out details. pic.twitter.com/ZEfIQOkfLH

— Scott Eisberg (@SEisbergWCIV) July 15, 2024

He didn’t hit a lot of home runs last year either. Scouts believe he will be a left-fielder meaning less positional value. This can be remedied in the minors. Regardless, the scouts love the bat. Diving deeper he has a strong athletic build with room to get stronger. Everybody loves the long ball, after all.

Armed with elite bat speed, Morlando has a fast hip turn augmented by a direct swing. Remember his positional value? He’s also played at first base, noted for quick turns and swift feet. PJ put on a show at the Combine launching four balls above 110 mph. The Great Bambino would’ve been proud. Lastly, he has a baseball history in the family. Bill Nahorodny, his grandfather, was a sixth-round pick of the Phillies in 1972. The San Francisco Giants drafted his uncle, William Nahorodny, in the 40th round of the 1998 Draft.

SS Carter Johnson: signed for $2,800,000 (slot value $1,603,400)

It’s been reported that this fella is drawing comparisons to the unanimous 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. One of the leading candidates for MLB’s Most Valuable Player, Henderson is chasing history for his organization. There are some similarities between the two. Both are big shortstops, hail from Alabama high schools, bat left and throw right, and were graded 50+ in power, hitting, running, and fielding.

Carter Johnson talks about being compared to Gunnar Henderson and what the Miami Marlins are getting in Carter Johnson. @carterreed24 @MLBNetwork @Marlins @ExcelBaseball @PrepBaseballAL @OldGoldBB @CraigMish pic.twitter.com/5tS4jR83U4

— Namath Pitts (@NamathPitts12) July 15, 2024

So what do the scouts say? They’re saying, Johnson is a mature hitter with the willingness and strength to pull it anywhere on the field. When it comes to velocity Carter has no issue in making good contact. The trouble lies in the offspeed stuff. Johnson has the potential pop to record about 20 dingers a year. Showing above-average speed, experts caution that as his body grows and matures it will trend down a bit. Still, we can expect sprinkles of stolen bases.

Poking into his high school career, Johnson was committed to the University of Alabama. He was also the driving force behind Oxford’s run to the 2023 Class 6A state championship. In his senior year, Johnson hit .364 with 46 runs, 21 RBIs, and 14 steals.

2B Gage Miller: signed for $800,800 (slot value $800,800)

Moving to pick number three we’re staying in Bama a bit longer. Gage Miller started at Bishop State Community College, batting .394 in his two-year tenure coupled with an MVP performance in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League too. However, since this was JUCO Miller needed to up the ante. Transferring to Alabama for his junior season, Gage became one of the most dangerous hitters in the SEC. Considering how stacked that conference is in baseball, it’s impressive.

Gage Miller #92 to the Marlins! pic.twitter.com/pw96BbuaCH

— Prospect Dugout (@prospectdugout) July 15, 2024

The scouting states Miller consistently puts the barrel on the ball and unlike Johnson, can handle velocity and breaking balls. With that said, Miller is not immune to the changeup. Seen as an intelligent hitter, Gage seeks to control the strike zone and understands how the opposing pitchers will approach him. The strength and bat speed are a plus making Miller another to have the potential of pulling 20 homers a year.

Since he is a pull hitter, expect Gage to go oppo in liners. Now for the weaknesses. The former Crimson Tide is below average in speed and lacks arm strength. He’s been described as adequate at best with the possibility of managing the hot corner. If not, first base or in left field although for the latter that’s an area of concern.

OF Fenwick Trimble: signed for $550,000 (slot value $589,000)

Arriving from James Madison University we have Fenwick Trimble. Said to be a tools-oriented right-handed hitter, Trimble’s swing is tight and compact. Able to put the barrel to the ball scouts grade him as balanced at the plate with average or even above average power. Trimble is a strong pick for center field especially with his speed.

Trimble is the 11th Duke drafted under head coach Marlin Ikenberry. It marks the first time JMU has had a player drafted in three consecutive drafts since 2017-19. The Virginia Beach, Virginia native is the 11th-highest drafted Duke and the first Duke in program history to be selected by a Florida/Miami franchise.

Fenwick Trimble has not only had an excellent regional, but he is also an intriguing draft prospect. Great body, present tools and plenty to dream on. Will go on Day 2. pic.twitter.com/SfD3ZRH9U7

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) June 1, 2024

Going further, his selection was a boon to James Madison. Trimble is the 17th All-American in JMU history. Fenwick led the Dukes to their first NCAA Regional berth since 2011 in 2024. For stats, he slashed .369/.452/.635 and brandished a 1.087 OPS leading the team in all those categories. He also led in doubles (21), runs (71), hits (90), and RBIs (65) among others. In addition, he stole 16 bases and launched 14 round trippers.

For Trimble’s three-year college career, he started 169 games slashing .332/.431/.576 recording 222 hits including 34 home runs and 55 doubles. He notched 165 runs, racked up 156 RBIs, and swiped 27 bases.

Impressions

Some fans liked them, others didn’t. Considering their overall position in the draft, the front office did what it could. The next several seasons will illuminate whether these guys break through or will become the latest Bleday or Watson. I was really stoked about Bleday too. I like the first two picks a lot, with the rest taking a wait-and-see approach. It’s true, the Fish can churn our arms but when it comes to the hitting they’ve been below average. Will it improve? I don’t think so even with Bendix at the helm, however, it’s still early. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all. The lack of optimism has shaped fans’ opinions in the near and long term. That’s what happens when you flop the offseason and get too trigger-happy with trade deals.