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The Miami Marlins have been a pleasant surprise this season. Going into Thursday's games, they sit tied in second place with the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East with their 51-42 record.
They have played extremely well this year, and this is going to be an interesting team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. They have the opportunity to add a difference-maker, but the front office is likely thinking all about the future right now.
The 2026 MLB Draft is just days away, and the Marlins will be drafting 14th overall, and there is sure to be a star in the making on the board when Miami hits the clock.
MORE: What happened to Owen Caissie? Why Marlins placed former Cubs prospect on IL
Marlins heavily advised to double down on this draft strategy
Last year, the Marlins had a specific draft strategy, and that was to take as many college players as they could. They took Oregon State SS Aiva Arquette with the seventh pick, Clemson OF Cam Cannarella No. 43, ASU OF Brandon Compton No. 46, and FSU OF Max Williams No. 78.
This is the same strategy that Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer urges the club to use again this year.
"The Marlins don't pick again after that No. 14 pick until all the way down at No. 52, so that first pick has a lot riding on it. And since there's already good balance in their fourth-ranked system, they shouldn't have any positional preferences. Instead, Peter Bendix should continue loading up on college talent after using every pick he had in the 2025 draft on four-year players. College players typically arrive sooner, and that's of use for a Marlins organization whose contention windows are always fleeting."
Miami already has one of the top farm systems in the sport, so loading up on players who will run through the minors sooner rather than later is the ideal play here.
Someone like Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron could be an excellent pick for Miami if he's still available by pick No. 14.
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