Hector Rodriguez's 2026 Miami Marlins Draft Board

[Hector Rodriguez]

The Miami Marlins have the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, being held in Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon. This year, it seems like everything is on the table for the Marlins. I could see them grabbing a college bat/pitcher, but there could be some elite high school available in that range as well.

It has become clearer which prospects are likely to be off the board by the time the Fish are on the clock. Let's focus on my top five realistically available options.

 

1. 2B Chris Hacopian

Personally, I believe the Marlins are more likely than not to draft a collegiate hitter with their first pick. With that said, I think Chris Hacopian would be an excellent choice.

Chris Hacopian is a 6’1”, 210-pound middle infielder who played at Texas A&M University. While he started his collegiate career at Maryland, Hacopian had a strong 2026 season in the SEC against some of the best pitchers in the country.

During his collegiate career, Hacopian had a .339/.449/.604 career slash line. In the 2026 season, Hacopian slashed .319/.405/.578 with 53 hits, ten doubles, eleven home runs, 41 RBIs, 25 walks, and a .983 OPS.

Hacopian is one of the best pure hitters in this draft class. He has an advanced plate approach and discipline. His in-zone contact rate was one of the best in college baseball. Hacopian has above-average power potential that he could tap into. On the downside, he’s not a shortstop at the next level. I think he’s a good defensive second baseman and could even play some third base if necessary.

 

2. LHP Gio Rojas

My top high school prospect for the Marlins with the 14th overall pick is left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas. The Broward County native would be an excellent addition to Miami’s farm system since he already possesses two plus pitches with above-average control.

Gio Rojas is a 6’4”, 195-pound left-handed pitcher who played at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Rojas comes from a high school that has produced excellent MLB players like Anthony Rizzo, Roman Anthony, Jesús Luzardo, and others.

On Perfect Game, Rojas is the third-ranked prospect and the #1 left-handed pitcher in the country. He was named a Perfect Game All-American and signed to play college baseball at the University of Miami.

On the mound, Rojas possesses a three-pitch mix including his fastball, slider, and changeup. His fastball sits 92-95 mph and tops out at 98 mph with outstanding RPMs. His slider moves more like a sweeper and sits in the low-80s with spin rates in the 2,600-2,800 rpm range. As for his changeup, he doesn’t throw it often, but has a solid feel for it and will mostly use it against right-handed batters.

 

3. OF AJ Gracia

Another collegiate option for the Marlins with the 14th pick is junior outfielder AJ Gracia, a pure hitter with more power compared to Hacopian.

AJ Gracia is a 6’3”, 195-pound outfielder out of the University of Virginia. Gracia spent his first two seasons at Duke before transferring to Virginia with his old head coach. He would continue to produce at a high level for the Cavaliers.

In his collegiate career, Gracia has a .317/.459/.583 career slash line. During his only season at Virginia, Gracia slashed .354/.489/.632 with 75 hits, fifteen doubles, fourteen home runs, 48 RBIs, 47 walks, and a 1.121 OPS.

Gracia’s offensive profile is what grabs a lot of scouts’ attention. He has a very smooth left-handed swing with plenty of power potential. His plate discipline is very advanced, and he naturally lifts the ball with backspin. He projects as a corner outfielder in pro ball.

 

4. 3B Ace Reese

Another SEC hitter who’s high on my preference list is junior third baseman Ace Reese. The left-handed-hitting corner infielder is one of the top power bats in this draft class and could be an excellent pick for the Fish.

Ace Reese is a 6’4”, 220-pound third baseman who played at Mississippi State University. Reese started his collegiate career at the University of Houston but played his final two seasons with the Bulldogs.

During his collegiate career, Reese had a .327/.419/.665 career slash line. In the 2026 season, Reese slashed .336/.432/.721 with 83 hits, 23 doubles, 24 home runs, 74 RBIs, 41 walks, and a 1.152 OPS. He was a consensus unanimous All-American.

At the plate, Reese has a 60-grade power tool. Reese has already filled out his frame and is a well-put-together prospect. His offensive profile is more power-over-hit. He does have a chase issue, especially against breaking pitches. Defensively, it’s unlikely he sticks at third base. Reese is more than likely to play first base or left field in pro ball.

 

5. 3B Bo Lowrance

The final draft prospect I have on my Marlins big board is South Carolina high school infielder Bo Lowrance. The Palmetto State infielder has been one of the biggest risers in this draft class.

Lowrance is a 6’5”, 200-pound corner infielder who played at Christ Church Episcopal High School in Greenville, South Carolina. Lowrance is one of the most well-rounded high school prospects in the class.

On Perfect Game, Lowrance is the 25th-ranked prospect and the second-ranked third baseman in the country. He’s also the 21st-ranked draft prospect on MLB Pipeline. Lowrance is signed to play college baseball at the University of Virginia.

Lowrance has the tools and potential to be a very solid prospect for the Marlins organization. He has quality bat-to-ball skills, especially against tough competition. He will add more power to his game as he fills out his large frame. He’s a good defensive third baseman with a strong arm. However, he could outgrow that position and transition to right field eventually.

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