Marlins projected to draft Arkansas standout catcher in first round

The Miami Marlins have made some fine first-round picks over the years. The problem is that none of these players are still in the organization, now playing elsewhere. 

Some might recall that Miami was the team to draft Christian Yelich 23rd overall during the 2010 MLB Draft. Another name that comes to mind is when they drafted Josh Naylor 12th overall in 2015. 

Now, most of these trades backfired, but at least the front office knows a quality first-rounder when they see one. They will be selecting 14th overall later this summer, and there are sure to be loads of talent still on the board. 

MORE: Miami Marlins call up top pitching prospect Robby Snelling

Marlins projected to draft Arkansas standout catcher in first round

Over the years, the Marlins have seemed to go in the direction of choosing the best available player. They have taken college players, high school players, pitchers, and position players over the last few years. 

So, it could be a bit difficult trying to pinpoint a direction that the front office is looking to go. However, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter did just that, predicting that Miami would draft Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick 14th overall. 

"Helfrick was already widely viewed as the No. 2 catcher in the class entering this spring, but he climbed up the board and comfortably into the teens with a standout junior campaign. He has a 1.035 OPS with 15 home runs in 48 games this spring. He has cut his strikeout rate from 22.5 to 17.5 percent while continuing to show a standout defensive profile."

Helfrick is having a great season, which is a reason he is ranked so high coming into the draft. Not only is he great with the bat in his hands, but he is also a great defensive catcher and has a great arm behind the plate. 

One thing he can work on, and is working on, is his transfer when throwing down. If he can master that, he's going to be one tough catcher to try to swipe a bag on. 

More MLB news:

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• Royals projected to draft one of the 'safest players in the entire class'
• Cubs' Shota Imanaga finds his rookie form and a spot in the pitching power rankings
• Brewers' flamethrower is knocking on the door to become a top-five starter