Pick 9 – Florida Marlins
Selection: 1B David Ortiz
Every once in a while, fortune smiles on a franchise—not with a playoff berth or a breakout star, but with something quieter and equally valuable: a top-10 pick in a draft loaded with impact talent. The Florida Marlins didn’t plan to be here, but they won’t complain. And after two trades that have already added depth to their rotation, Florida enters this draft with a luxury: flexibility.
Make no mistake, the Marlins need outfielders. Desperately. They’ve made no attempt to hide it, even posting marketplace pleas for help. Their center and right fielders combined for less than 0.5 WAR in 1996—a staggering lack of production for a franchise that had 99 wins. And yes, there are intriguing outfielders available in this class.
But then there’s David Ortiz, and that changes everything.
Ortiz isn’t fully grown yet, but the blueprint is unmistakable. He’s not simply one of the best bats in this draft—he’s one of the most dangerous offensive weapons the DBL has seen in years. With 15 contact, 18 power, and 13 eye, Ortiz checks every box you want from a middle-of-the-order monster. Clutch situations? He’s built for them. High-leverage at-bats? He thrives in them. Long-term projection? Franchise cornerstone.
This pick isn’t just about 1997. In fact, next season Ortiz likely slides in behind Matt Williams, Bobby Bonilla, and Mike Greenwell, easing into big-league action without the pressure of being “the guy” on day one. But by 1998 and beyond? He becomes the cleanup hitter this organization has lacked since who know whens. And with the looming uncertainty at designated hitter, Ortiz also provides immediate insurance.
Could Florida have taken an outfielder here? Absolutely. And let’s be honest, they probably should. But passing on Ortiz would be a mistake a franchise spends a decade explaining.
Pitching depth? They’ve added it. Outfield help? That’s coming in free agency or via trade. But elite bats—the kind that alter trajectories, transform lineups, and become the face of a franchise—those are rare.
At Pick 9, the Marlins had a chance to grab one.