2016 Draft Report Card: Miami Marlins

BEST PURE HITTER: OF Thomas Jones (3) got off to a slow start after a long layoff between his high school season and signing, but he has a loose swing and showed very promising pitch recognition skills and a sound approach in fall instructional league. 3B James Nelson (15) also impressed the Marlins with his simple swing and ability to square balls up.

BEST POWER: Jones has plus raw power, with a quick bat and a wide-shouldered frame that gives him the leverage and torque to drive the ball. 1B Colby Lusignan (28) has elite raw power and can send a fastball a mile, though he strikes out at a high rate and may have more difficulty getting to his power than Jones.

FASTEST RUNNER: OF Andrew Knapp (8) and OF Corey Bird (7) can both impact the game with their speed, both grading as at least 70 runners. They know how to use their speed, showing the ability to bunt for hits, steal bases, and close gaps in the outfield. Jones is also a plus runner.

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: The Marlins like the defensive upside of Knapp, Bird and Jones, but one standout from their class was C David Gauntt (18), who shows plus arm strength and sound receiving ability behind the plate.

BEST FASTBALL: Garrett doesn’t hit the upper 90s, but his fastball plays very well and has reached as high as 94. RHP Chad Smith (11) can reach 96. RHP Mike King (12) showed improved velocity in pro ball, reaching 95 at his best. RHP Remey Reed (7) can touch 95.

BEST SECONDARY PITCH: The Marlins see Garrett’s curveball as a plus-plus offering. He can command the pitch and it shows hard, late 1-to-7 snapping action and powerful low 80s velocity. RHP Michael Mertz (14) has a strong slider.

BEST PRO DEBUT: No player came out and dominated at an age-appropriate level, but Nelson held his own as an 18-year-old in the Gulf Coast League, batting .284 and drawing praise for his defense and athleticism.

BEST ATHLETE: Jones has speed, arm strength and looseness to his actions, in addition to a sculpted body. He was a significant football recruit, and had been recruited to play wide receiver by Notre Dame and South Carolina. LHP Braxton Garrett (1) is incredibly athletic on the mound, with looseness, balance and flexibility.

MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Nelson is the younger brother of 2004 first-round pick Chris Nelson, who has played in parts of five major league seasons. Knapp is the brother of Phillies prospect Andrew Knapp.

CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Garrett’s poise, pitchability and robust three-pitch mix could allow him to move quickly. He is not the standard prep pitching prospect who has a long way to go, and the Marlins have promoted prospects of his caliber and polish aggressively in the past.

BEST LATE ROUND PICK: Nelson’s athleticism and chance to hit make him a very nice value in the 15th round.

THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: The Marlins tried to sign RHP Nick Eichholtz (13), but they ended up using up their pool money to sign Garrett just before the deadline. Eichholtz’s fastball/curveball combo will have him scouted again as a senior at Alabama.