2017 Acquisition: Joe Dunand, SS
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 9/20/1995 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: Gulf Coast League Marlins, high-A Jupiter Hammerheads
2017 Stats: .370/.471/.667, 34 PA, 1 HR, 5/8 BB/K
Info: Dunand got plenty of press during the draft process due to his relation to Alex Rodriguez (he’s A-Rod’s nephew), but he’s got plenty of reason to be an intriguing talent on his own accord.
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While he’s likely to end up at third base due to his frame that will still likely fill out some from its current 6’2″, 200+ size, Dunand shows well at shortstop right now with excellent instincts and great hands. Many believe that he would be a plus defender or even better moving over to the hot corner based on his instincts.
With the bat, Dunand has big power, though his power is definitely ahead of his contact ability, and he will need to improve his pitch and zone recognition in order to access that power better.
Dunand has shown excellent work on the defensive side, and showing a similar work ethic offensively would allow him to see his contact skills quickly improve as well.
Many feel that Dunand could be a guy to hit for above-average power as a pro, and he should move up the system quickly, likely opening in full season ball in spite of missing a lot of time due to an injury last year after he was drafted.
Next: Five 2018 Marlins Milestones
So that is the Miami Marlins top 10 prospects for 2018. Who is too high? Too low? Missing entirely from the list? Comment below!!