Miami’s Round 2 Pick: Joseph Dunand

With the 51st overall choice in the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft, the Marlins selected third baseman Joseph Dunand. It was the 15th choice in the second round, and Miami’s third overall in the yearly process. Dunand was ranked as the #126 pre-draft prospect.

Dunand was chosen 51st overall, which projects as a $1.3 million slot. He’s a 6’2”, 200 lb. right-handed hitter from Miami, Florida. Born on September 20th, 1995, he’ll be expected to contribute to Miami on a major league level sometime between 2018 and 2020.

Dunand was previously drafted in the 35th round of the 2014 draft, by the Cleveland Indians with the 1,058th overall selection, but chose instead to attend NC State and play with the Wolfpack. It turned out to be a wise choice.

In three seasons of college ball, Dunand hit .268/.334/.476, with 29 round-trippers and 132 RBI. Not a particularly patient hitter, Dunand struck out 132 times while drawing 52 walks as a Wolf. He produced more acceptable numbers in his last season with the Pack, slashing .287/.368/.632 with 18 taters in 209 at bats, with 51 RBI. He also showed slightly less patience at the plate to go with his power, whiffing 45 times, or nearly once every 4.6 at bats (versus once every 5.3 at bats overall). Some of the issue is with pitch recognition, which is reparable through minor league seasoning.

Earlier in his amateur career, Dunand was awarded 2012 Underclass High Honorable Mention, 2013 Underclass Third Team, 2014 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, and Florida - All Region First Team. Oh, and he’s also Alex Rodriguez’ nephew.

Former players to be selected with the 51st overall selection include shortstop Barry Larkin (1982, 70.2 WAR), shortstop Frank Duffy (1966, 10.5), and left handed pitcher Chris Haney (1990, 3.2 WAR). The Marlins have never selected a player with the 51st pick until now.