The Miami Marlins selected high school outfielder PJ Morlando from Summerville High with the 16th pick in the first round of the 2024 draft. Morlando was the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year for baseball in South Carolina and was signed to play college baseball for South Carolina. He will most likely waive his eligibility and head straight to the pros.
With the 16th pick in the 2024 #MLBDraft, the Miami Marlins select CF PJ Morlando
Welcome to Miami, PJ! #MarlinsBeisbol
Draft coverage with @ADT pic.twitter.com/ustgXYYnqT
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 15, 2024
Marlins Select Outfielder PJ Morlando With the 16th Overall Pick of 2024 Draft
Scouts and analysts consider outfielder PJ Morlando one of the top high school hitters in the country. MLB.com has him ranked No.43 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list. The left-handed hitter stands at an impressive six-foot-three and 198 pounds. He also demonstrates patience and an ability to work counts. Morlando started to gain attention after he won the High School Home Run Derby. Following this, he won the MVP award at the High School All-American Game at the All-Star Game last July.
PJ Morlando (‘24 SC) puts a great swing on this one as he drives it into LF. Such easy bat speed, refined hit tool w/ elite B2B & juice. #1 player in the ‘24 class & high @PG_Draft follow. #PGHS @GamecockBasebll signee @SummervilleBase pic.twitter.com/b3lKAg5oPs
— PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) April 3, 2024
While his batting practice sessions showcase his power and strength, this success has not consistently translated into game situations over the past summer and spring. This discrepancy has led to an overall scout rating of 50, indicating room for growth and development. In his last season, he played in 32 games and managed two home runs and 31 hits with a .403 average. The lefty is likely to play left field or first base. He could be a solid defensive left fielder/first baseman with the scouts rating his fielding a 50.
PJ Morlando might have the best combination of pure hitting ability + raw power of any high school hitter.
Will it be enough to hear his name tomorrow night?#MLBDraft https://t.co/zrzrNE9VrJ pic.twitter.com/zlEWdiF9Nz
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) July 14, 2024
The Marlins head into the All-Star Break with a disappointing 33-63 record, primarily due to their struggles with offensive production. The addition of a new young power hitter will hopefully help these longstanding issues in the seasons ahead. He’s still developing before reaching the majors, but his progress over the next few years will be closely watched.
Photo Credit: © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The post Marlins Take Top High School Outfielder In First Round of 2024 Draft appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.