Miami Marlins top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
3. JJ Bleday
Minors (A+): 151 plate appearances, .257/.311/.379, eight doubles, three homers, 11 walks, 29 strikeouts
JJ Bleday was considered one of the best pure hitters in the collegiate ranks heading into the 2019 campaign, but was not much of a power hitter. He shattered that perception as he led NCAA Division One with 26 homers last year.
That power surge pushed Bleday up the draft board, leading to his selection by the Miami Marlins with the fourth overall pick. The Marlins were aggressive with him once he signed, sending him to the High-A Jupiter Hammerheads. However, Bleday held his own, leading to the hope that he could rocket through the system and be in Miami in short order.
Bleday has a very smooth swing and a willingness to use the entire field, hitting the ball where it’s pitched. An adjustment in his approach before Vanderbilt’s 2019 campaign led to his attacking the zone and looking to lift the ball more, which led Bleday to tap into his power. Another athletic outfielder for the Marlins, he possesses an excellent arm and solid range despite mediocre speed, profiling perfectly as a slugging right fielder.
JJ Bleday figures to be a fixture on the top 100 prospect lists heading into the coming year. If he can produce in 2020, he may not retain his prospect status for long, given the openings that the Miami Marlins have in the outfield.