Name: Alex Jackson
Age and School: 18, Rancho Bernando HS, California
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 210 lbs.
Position: Catcher (for now).
Sentence Summary: The most talented bat in the draft, Jackson might not be a catcher long-term but his bat will play at any position.
Alex Jackson will not be drafted any later than fifth overall in the 2014 MLB Draft this season. A University of Oregon commit who has great raw power and tremendous bat speed from the right side of the plate, Jackson projects to be a future middle of the order bat who could become a cornerstone for whatever team is lucky enough to draft him. Most teams would move Jackson to outfield or even third, but I believe that if the Marlins draft Jackson, they'll try to sculpt him into a catcher. Alex Jackson would be seen as a reach for the Marlins at second overall with the trio of pitchers expected to go 1-2-3, but the Marlins aren't afraid of going after what they want with this pick. Alex Jackson makes sense for the Marlins, even though they might be picking him over a more talented prospect.
Reasons the Marlins Would Consider Jackson:
- They have shown interest in using their top picks in 2014 to acquire bats, according to Keith Law.
- The Marlins have a plethora of top pitching prospects and drafting another pitcher at the top of their draft seems over the top.
- This is a minor point of interest, but the Marlins have shown interest in California catchers in the past. (see Chad Wallach for instance)
- Jackson really is the best bat in the draft and he could move through the minors much faster than a high school pitcher.
- The Marlins haven't shied away from great high school hitters that they believe they can form into catchers. (See J.T. Realmuto)