MLB Draft: Miami Marlins select Tyler Kolek no. 2 overall

The Miami Marlins had the choice between two pitchers, among a number of other players, with the no. 2 overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. They could opt for the high upside, somewhat risky option in Tyler Kolek, or they could go with Carlos Rodon, who is thought to be more polished and big-league ready.

More from Miami Marlins

• MLB Rumors: Surprise team emerges in Cody Bellinger sweepstakes
• Shohei Ohtani Rumors: The best trade package from every NL East team
• MLB Rumors: 3 ideal trade suitors for Pirates closer David Bednar
• MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
• 3 teams that still wouldn’t be World Series contenders after trading for Shohei Ohtani

Leading up to the draft, many people thought that Rodon was a natural pick to pair with Jose Fernandez in the next few years. Instead the Marlins went for upside and made Kolek the second overall pick.

Kolek is a 6’5″, 245 pound right-handed pitcher with absolutely electric stuff. He has a plus plus fastball, a pitch that was so good that he sometimes didn’t need anything else in high school. Kolek had committed to TCU for college ball, but now that he is a top-10 pick you can bet that college ball isn’t in his plans.

As for his secondary pitches, they have developed far enough that it is not surprising that Kolek slid into the top five. He now joins a Miami Marlins organization that is already on the rise this season and that has an impeccable track record when it comes to identifying and developing young talent.

Here a video of Kolek, courtesy of Ron Shah:

Area Code Games: Tyler Kolek from Ron Shah on Vimeo.