Who Should the Marlins Pick First?

Quick Overview

With the 2020 NFL Draft over, the 2020 MLB Draft is now around the corner and the Marlins need to get their first pick right. The Marlins are now in the third year of their rebuild since Derek Jeter took over as CEO in 2017 and he’s done a great job at bringing in talent back into the organization.

The team should draft a pitcher in the first round to make up for trading Zac Gallen and Chris Valimont last season. Gallen was very highly regarded before making his MLB debut with a 9-1 win-loss record and a 1.77 ERA during his 2019 minor league season. Chris Valimont hasn’t seen an inning above A-Ball but he has shown promise during his time in the minors posting a career 3.79 ERA in 156.2 innings pitched.

Who Should the Marlins Draft at #3

The Marlins have the third overall pick in this year’s draft, but who should they use that pick on? My pick would be Emerson Hancock out of the University of Georgia. Hancock is ranked as the fourth-best prospect and the second-best pitching prospect in this years draft. Two reasons why I think the Marlins should draft Hancock over Asa Lacy who is the top pitching prospect in the draft. Velocity and command. Hancock has a better-rated fastball and his command is rated better than Asa Lacy. 

A look at Hancock below courtesy of @BaseballAmerica

At one point in 2019, some scouts saw Emerson Hancock as a viable 1-1 pick.

We currently have him headed to Toronto in our latest mock update.

See the full first round: https://t.co/WW30io8ozD pic.twitter.com/wgHk7hk112

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) April 20, 2020

Emerson Hancock

Emerson Hancock is a 6’4 right-handed starting pitcher out of the University of Georgia. He was originally drafted in the 38th round of high school by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He features a fastball that he uses to frequently pound the strike zone as well as three offspeed pitches that scouts consider to be “plus pitches” because he has the ability.

His fastball sits around 94-97mph but it can top out at 99mph with movement. Despite not using his changeup much, he is still able to locate it pretty well. His wipeout pitch is his slider that sits around the mid-80s with some nasty break. The only downside to Hancock is that he injured his lat his sophomore year of college.

Scouts compare Hancock to Tigers 2018 #1 draft pick Casey Mize, similar size as well as similar pitch repertoire as well as both missing time their sophomore year of college with injuries.

In my opinion, Hancock is the best pitcher in this draft and the Marlins should take the opportunity to draft him if he is still available at #3, which I do fully anticipate him being available.

A look at Hancock’s knee-buckling pitches below courtesy of @PitchingNinja

Emerson Hancock, Buckles. pic.twitter.com/Yydiw3CbZU

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 23, 2020