2024 MLB Draft Profile: PJ Morlando

[Hector Rodriguez]

In a college hitter-heavy draft class, this high school prospect is grabbing scouts' attention. PJ Morlando has some of the best raw power in the entire draft but can also work counts well and make consistent, loud contact. Could he be the Marlins' first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft? 

Overview

Position: OF

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 200 pounds

School: Summerville HS (SC)

Commitment: South Carolina

PJ Morlando is a 6’3”, 200-pound, left-handed-hitting outfielder from the South. A ton of college hitters are expected to be taken early in the 2024 MLB Draft. After them, Morlando should be one of the first prep prospects off the board.

On MLB Pipeline, Morlando is the fourteenth-ranked prospect and the sixth-ranked outfielder in this year's draft class. On Perfect Game, Morlando is the top-ranked high school prospect in the country. He's 18th on the 2024 MLB Mock Draft Consensus Board.

At the plate, Morlando has some of the most impressive raw power in this draft class. He consistently makes loud contact and has an advanced plate approach for his age. Over the summer, Morlando won the High School Home Run Derby and won the MVP award in the All-American Game.

Morlando’s hitting tools could give him one of the highest ceilings in his class when it’s all said and done.

 

Strengths

• Elite raw power
• Barrels balls consistently
• Plus bat speed
• Performs well against elite competition
• Puts the ball in the air

 

Weaknesses

• Can get pull happy
• Doesn’t provide much defense
• Average baserunner

 

Pro Comparison: Josh Lowe

Projection: Top 20 pick

 

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Bottom Line

The Miami Marlins have one of the worst farm systems in all of baseball. This draft class will help replenish a farm system depleted of talent. PJ Morlando could be a player who we see climb quickly through the prospect rankings and farm system with his power.

Morlando could be a really exciting prospect for the Fish if they select him with the 16th overall selection.

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