Everything you need to know about Marlins competitive balance round B pick Will Banfield

Fish Stripes analysis on the entire 2018 Marlins draft class will be updated during and after the draft.

On Monday night, the Marlins selected Will Banfield in competitive balance round B with the No. 69 overall pick.

School: Brookwood HS (GA)

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 200 lb.

Position(s): C

Twitter handle? Yes! @will_banfield

Prospect ranking entering the draft (based on composite rankings): No. 43

No. 13 slot value (out of Marlins $8,658,400 total): $894,600

Scouting Report (via MLB Pipeline)

Banfield has a chance to become the third Brookwood High (Snellville, Ga.) product taken in the first round, following Jason Bulger (2001) and Lucas Sims (2012). He has the highest defensive ceiling of any catcher in the Draft, though a down spring with the bat could knock him down to the second round. If he lasts any longer than that, he could wind up at Vanderbilt.

Banfield’s signature tool is his well-above-average arm strength—though it has been down a tick at times this year—and he gets the most out of it with a quick transfer and fine accuracy on his throws. His receiving and framing skills are solid, and he’s agile behind the plate. He also exhibits the desired leadership skills for his position.

While his defense overshadows his offense and he struggled at times on the showcase circuit last summer when he tried to do too much, Banfield offers some upside with the bat as well. With his strong build, solid bat speed and loft in his right-handed swing, he has at least above-average raw power. He hasn’t shown as much feel for the barrel this spring as he has with the past, so it’s unclear how much he’ll be able to tap into his pop.

Game Highlights (via FanGraphs)

Marlins Press Release

Courtesy of Marlins Communications