Hector Rodriguez's 2024 Miami Marlins Draft Board

The Miami Marlins will have the sixteenth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Their first selection under the new Peter Bendix-led regime, they need to get this decision right to assist with their organizational rebuild. With the draft rapidly approaching, it has become clearer which of the top prospects are likely to be off the board by the time Miami is on the clock. Let's focus on five realistically available players worth considering.

The Marlins are expected to select from a cluster of college hitters who have mid-first round projections. However, that's what pre-draft rumors also indicated last year and Miami surprised everyone with the selection of prep pitching prospect Noble Meyer.

Here are the top draft-eligible prospects for the Marlins to target.

1. Cam Smith, 3B, Florida State

The Marlins need to add impact bats in their farm system and Cam Smith might be the best option available. The Florida State third baseman has been one of the most productive hitters in college baseball and still has room for development.

During the 2024 season, Smith was one of the best third basemen in college baseball. He slashed .387/.488/.654 with 104 hits, 22 doubles, one triple, 16 home runs, 57 RBIs, 44 walks, and a 1.142 OPS. Smith was also named a Third Team All-American on D1 Baseball.

At the plate, Smith has improved his plate approach and fixed his swing-and-miss issues he had in his freshman season. Smith consistently makes loud contact and can drive the ball deep to all fields. He’s also a good defensive third baseman with one of the better arms in this draft class.

Smith has an excellent hit tool and still has more power left in the tank. He also impressed last summer in the Cape Cod League. He slashed .347/.406/.575 with 58 hits, twelve doubles, four triples, six home runs, 26 RBIs, and a .981 OPS. Smith was named the Most Outstanding Pro Prospect in Cape Cod.

2. Christian Moore, 2B, Tennessee

Another infielder who is coming off a monster 2024 season is Tennessee’s second baseman, Christian Moore. The Brooklyn native capped off his collegiate career with an incredible season and helped lead the Tennessee Volunteers to their first NCAA championship.

During the 2024 season, Moore shined and stood in the most competitive conference in college baseball. Moore slashed .375/.451/.797 with 111 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, 38 walks, and a 1.248 OPS. Moore was also named a consensus First Team All-American.

At the plate, there’s plenty to like about Moore. He’s an aggressive hitter who’s looking to do damage. His bat speed and approach allow him to consistently barrel balls to all fields. While his power potential is impressive, he does need to work on not chasing pitches out of the zone and shortening his swing when behind in the count.

Scouts projects Moore to be a second baseman at the next level, but he is athletic enough to play center field if needed.

3. James Tibbs III, OF, Florida State

Another Florida State player who will be a first-round selection on Sunday night is outfielder James Tibbs III. The powerful left-handed hitting outfielder had three excellent seasons playing for the Seminoles.

During the 2024 season. Tibbs posted a career season and led the Seminoles to another trip to the College World Series. Tibbs slashed .363/.488/.777 with 91 hits, 18 doubles, 28 home runs, 95 RBIs, 58 walks, and a team-high 1.264 OPS. He was named the ACC Player of the Year and a unanimous First Team All-American.

Tibbs is a smart, powerful hitter who has cut down on his strikeouts and improved his walk rate in each of his three seasons at FSU. Tibbs is known to hunt and punish the fastball, but does have a history of struggling with secondary pitches. He is a solid outfielder and projects to play left field due to his below-average speed.

Tibbs is one of the most decorated hitters in Florida State’s history, a program that has produced plenty of MLB standouts through the years. Tibbs also raked in Cape Cod. He slashed .303/.390/.472 with 43 hits, six doubles, six home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .862 OPS.

4. Vance Honeycutt, OF, North Carolina

Another ACC outfielder who could be on the Marlins’ radar with the sixteenth overall pick is North Carolina’s Vance Honeycutt. The Tar Heels center fielder might have the biggest upside in this draft class.

In the 2024 season, Honeycutt had an excellent junior season and rebounded nicely after struggling at the plate as a sophomore. Honeycutt slashed .318/.410/.714 with 81 hits, thirteen doubles, two triples, 28 home runs, 70 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and a 1.124 OPS. Honeycutt broke the home run record in North Carolina’s history and became the first two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year in the conference’s history.

Watching Honeycutt play, he passes the eye test with flying colors. He’s a very toolsy prospect who has produced at a high level and led the Tar Heels to the College World Series. He’s very exciting to watch and has superstar potential.

However, the underlying data raises some serious concerns. Honeycutt's strikeout rate is one of the highest in his draft class, he’s a pull-happy hitter and chases pitches out of the zone. If the Marlins believe they have the right people in their player development department, Honeycutt might be worth the risk. He'll need help to unlock his full potential in the pros.

5. Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston State

The final prospect on the 2024 Miami Marlins draft board was arguably the best Group of 5 player in college baseball. Walke Janek is an excellent catching prospect who fills a major need for the Marlins and should be able to sign under slot value.

During the 2024 season, Janek built off his productive sophomore season with an excellent junior season. Janek slashed .368/.480/.714 with 80 hits, fifteen doubles, five triples, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, 40 walks, and a 1.185 OPS. Janek was named a First Team All-American on D1 Baseball. He was also the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.

At the plate, Janek possesses elite bat speed and good strength to generate plus power potential. Janek could still add to his frame to tap more into his raw power and translate it to game power. His plate approach improved from last season, though he still needs to lower his chase rate and continue to improve on driving the ball to all fields.

Behind the plate, Janek shines and helps make him a first-round prospect. He might have the best arm behind the dish in this draft class. He also receives the ball well and controls the run game beautifully. Janek won the Buster Posey Award, which goes to college baseball's top catcher.

Janek could be a good underslot option for the Fish if they are looking to save some dollars to use later in the draft.