Should the Marlins select Shaw if he’s available with their first-round draft pick?
Position: 2B
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 185 pounds
School: Maryland
Matt Shaw is a 5’11”, 185-pound second baseman who played for the Maryland Terrapins. Shaw has been a stud for the Terrapins since he enrolled on campus in 2021. He has developed into a first-round talent and could be the first second baseman selected in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Coming out of high school, Shaw was a top ten high school prospect in Massachusetts. He undrafted and immediately earned a starting role for the Maryland Terrapins. During his freshman season, Shaw started in 45 games playing third base, second base, and left field.
Shaw slashed .332/.409/.544 with 90 hits, sixteen doubles, seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and a .952 OPS. Bradfield was named a Freshman All-American and made the All-Big Ten Freshman team.
In his sophomore season, Shaw’s power started to break out. Shaw slashed .290/.381/.604 with 79 hits, eleven doubles, 22 home runs, 67 RBIs, and a .986 OPS. He was named All-Big Ten First Team and was named the Cape Cod Player of the Year over the summer.
Shaw saved his best for last. In his junior season with the Terrapins, he slashed .341/.445/.697 with 90 hits, twenty doubles, 24 home runs, 69 RBIs, eighteen stolen bases, and a 1.142 OPS. He was also named Big Ten Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-American.
Matt Shaw is one of the top offensive prospects in this draft class. He has a plus hit and power tools. His plate approach is also very advanced and has walked more than struck out in his collegiate career.
Strengths
- Consistently barrels balls
- Plus hitting and power tools
- Advanced plate approach
- 60-grade speed
- Versatile defensively
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t possess a strong arm
- Will likely play second instead of SS at the next level
Pro Comparison: Ketel Marte
Projection: Top 20 pick
Bottom Line
Matt Shaw is a really good and realistic option for the Miami Marlins. He’s an intelligent hitter who can drive the ball to all fields and with power. Shaw also runs very well and has a decent glove. Keith Law of The Athletic had the Marlins selecting Shaw in his latest mock draft, describing it as “another link that keeps coming up,” though he also writes that other teams ahead of Miami in the draft order could consider him as well.
One issue the Marlins might have with Shaw is that he doesn’t have a great arm and projects as a second baseman at the next level. The Marlins already have one of the best second baseman in the game with Luis Arraez and a handful of internal options who can contribute there as well. If Shaw can improve his arm strength, he could be an excellent third base or shortstop option for the Fish.
Photo courtesy of terpsbaseball/Instagram
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