Miami Marlins 2024 MLB Mock Draft 1.0

Hector Rodriguez · May 26, 2024

Simulating who the Marlins could select with their first four picks in the upcoming draft.

The 2024 MLB Draft is a month-and-a-half away as it begins on Sunday, July 14. After finishing the 2023 season with an 84-78 record (third in the NL East), the Miami Marlins hold the 16th overall pick and will have the 16th pick in each subsequent round minus the compensation and competitive balance rounds. Miami's amateur scouting department is being led by Frankie Piliere for the first time.

For the first mock draft, we’ll only simulate three rounds—the 16th, 56th, 70th, and 92nd overall selections—but the depth of this exercise will continue to expand as the draft date approaches.

Here is the Miami Marlins 2024 MLB Mock Draft 1.0.

First Round (16th overall)—Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

With the 16th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins select third baseman Cam Smith. Under the new regime, the Marlins take one of the top in-state prospects with their first-round selection.

Smith is one of the top infielders in the 2024 draft class. He’s having a monster season for the Seminoles and is one of the leaders in their potent offense. Smith is also one of the best draft-eligible sophomores in this draft class.

On the season, Smith is slashing .396/.487/.661 with 91 hits, 20 doubles, thirteen home runs, 48 RBIs, three stolen bases, 33 walks, and a 1.148 OPS. Smith was also outstanding last summer in the Cape Cod Summer Collegiate League. He earned the Most Outstanding Pro Prospect honors.

With the 2024 draft class full of collegiate-hitting prospects, Smith has a chance to be one of the best prospects to come out of this draft class. Smith has plus hit tools and a great arm, which could make him even more value playing an important defensive position.

Smith is 13th on the 2024 MLB Mock Draft Consensus Board as of May 28.

Second Round (56th overall)—Kavares Tears, OF, Tennessee

With the 56th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins select outfielder Kavares Tears. The Marlins grab another talented sophomore who’s having a monster season for one of the teams in college baseball this season.

Tears has been one of the biggest risers this spring. The left-handed hitting outfielder was redshirted in his freshman and only played in 29 games last season due to multiple injuries.

Now fully healthy, Tears is tearing the cover off the ball and looks to lead the Tennessee Volunteers in a long postseason run to Omaha. On the season, Tears is slashing .344/.440/.672 with 67 hits, thirteen doubles, 17 home runs, 48 RBIs, 35 walks, and a 1.112 OPS.

Tears is a potential five-tool prospect with his plus-hitting tools and excellent defense. At the plate, Tears has a line-drive approach and consistently barrels balls. On defense, he’s a good speed and gets great jumps. While he plays right field at Tennessee, some scout believes he can be a center fielder at the next level. Scouts have also praised his work ethic and athletic abilities.

Smith is 68th on the 2024 MLB Mock Draft Consensus Board as of May 28.

Competitive Balance Round B (70th overall)—Carson Wiggins, RHP, Roland HS (OK)

With the 70th pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins select right-handed pitcher Carson Wiggins. The Marlins grab their first high school prospect of the 2024 draft class with a raw but talented arm who has starter potential.

Wiggins is one of the top high school pitchers in this draft class. A 6’5”, 210-pound right-handed pitcher from Oklahoma. Wiggins is also the younger brother of the Cubs' second-round pick last draft, Jaxon Wiggins.

On Perfect Game, Wiggins is the 54th-ranked prospect and the fourteen-ranked right-handed pitcher in his class. He’s also the third-ranked prospect and #1 pitcher from the Sooner State.

On the mound, Wiggins possesses a three-pitch mix which includes his fastball, slider, and changeup. Wiggins has a power fastball which sits in the mid-90s with east. He’s also been clocked at 99 mph with late running movement. His slider is a plus pitch which generates a ton of swing-and-miss and sits in the mid-80s. Wiggins needs to get more feel for his changeup, but it has a chance of being a quality pitch with some development.

While Wiggins is an excellent athlete and pitches with ease, his control needs some work. He also needs to work on his mechanics and getting a more repeatable delivery. The Marlins have excelled at developing pitching prospects and Wiggins could be a steal for the Fish in Competitive Balance Round B.

Smith is 80th on the 2024 MLB Mock Draft Consensus Board as of May 28.

Third Round (92nd overall)—Ted Burton, 2B, Texas A&M

With the 92nd pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Miami Marlins select second baseman Ted Burton. The Marlins grab a senior infielder in an effort to save some bonus pool money considering that Wiggins will likely need an overslot signing bonus to keep him away from Arkansas.

The former Michigan graduate transfer has continued to find success in the SEC playing for the Texas A&M Aggies. On the season, Burton is slashing .287/.444/.517 with 50 hits, eleven doubles, one triple, nine home runs, 38 RBIs, ten stolen bases, and a .962 OPS.

While Burton won't necessarily be the "best player available" at pick No. 92, he is still a quality prospect. He’s a career .286 collegiate hitter in the Big Ten and SEC. Burton is a two-time All-Big Ten player with some defensive versatility.

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