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2021 MLB Draft Profile: Joshua Baez

Would the Marlins select the powerful outfielder with the No. 16 overall pick if he’s still on the board?

By Hector Rodriguez
Joshua Baez is a draft-eligible outfielder from Dexter Southfield High School Perfect Game

Overview

Position: OF

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 220 pounds

School: Dexter Southfield H.S.

Commitment: Vanderbilt

Joshua Baez is a 2021 outfielder out of Boston, Massachusetts and plays his high school ball at Dexter Southfield High School. Baez is one of the top and most exciting high school prospect to watch in the 2021 MLB Draft. He played summer ball with the Boston Blue Jays. Baez has already signed his NLI to play college baseball for Vanderbilt University. Baez also played in the Perfect Game All-American Classic last summer.

At 6’4” 220 pounds, Baez is a tall, athletic prospect with some of the best tools in the 2021 MLB Draft class. He has an advanced build with still some room to fill in his frame and keep his athleticism. He already generates tremendous raw power with exit velocities recorded over 100 mph. The Commodores signee also has one of the strongest arms in this draft class and projected to be a right fielder at the next level. Baez shows plus speed but does have a lot of swing-and-miss in his swing.

On Perfect Game, Joshua Baez is the fifth-ranked prospect and the second-ranked outfielder in the country. He’s also the #1 ranked high school prospect in the state of Massachusetts.

Strengths

  • Great size
  • Very projectable
  • Elite arm strength
  • Great raw power potential
  • Plus defender
  • Middle of the order bat
  • Very good athlete
  • Plus bat speed
  • Hits very well versus LHP

Weaknesses

  • Struggles hitting breaking balls versus right-handed pitching
  • A bit of a free swinger
  • Strikeouts at an above-average clip
  • Needs to improve plate discipline

Pro Comparison: Marcell Ozuna

Projection: First Round Draft Pick

Bottom Line

The Miami Marlins went all pitchers in the 2020 MLB Draft, so it would not be surprising if they prioritized the top available hitters this year when it’s their turn to pick. Dexter Southfield’s Joshua Baez makes sense on paper.

In the past few drafts, the Marlins have used most of their early round picks on college players. However, the Fish are making their first round selection at #16. Some of the top college bats will already be off the board. The Marlins will need to adjust accordingly.

Baez’s high ceiling might be too good for the Fish to pass up on with the sixteenth overall pick.

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