Drafted in the 2nd round (51st overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2017 (signed for $1,200,000).
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The nephew of Alex Rodriguez, Dunand has been a three-year starter at N.C. State, playing third base as a freshman and shortstop the next two seasons. He fits better at third long term, as his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame lacks the range for short. However, his soft hands and above-average arm should make him a fine defender at the hot corner. Dunand got off to a poor offensive start, expanding his strike zone and getting pull-happy, before rebounding late with a power surge, finishing the regular season with 16 homers albeit with a .284 batting average. Dunand's plus power grades above his hitting ability, but his power and defense do profile well at third base. He's either a low-energy player or has a pro approach, depending on how each scout interpreted his demeanor. He could go out as high as the third round.
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Track Record: The nephew of Alex Rodriguez, Dunand was a three-year starter at North Carolina State, where he played third base as a freshman and then took over as the starting shortstop for his final two years. He was the Marlins' second-round pick in 2017, signing for $1.2 million.
Scouting Report: At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds with a strong lower half, Dunand isn't a prototypical shortstop, although the Marlins are sticking with him in the middle for now. He has the arm strength, footwork and power profile to transition seamlessly to third base, if needed, although he's been at least an average defender at shortstop so far. Dunand's bat took a step back as he was challenged in 2018. He struggled to make contact in Double-A, striking out in nearly 30 percent of his plate appearances, but he was still able to tap into his potentially plus power. Dunand is a fringe-average runner.
The Future: Regardless of whether Dunand ends up as an average defensive shortstop or an above-average defensive third baseman, it will be his bat that decides his future. He'll head back to Double-A in 2019 looking to make more contact and reach base more often.
Better known as Alex Rodriguez's nephew as an amateur, Dunand was a three-year starter at North Carolina State, where he played third base as a freshman before taking over at shortstop during his final two years. He hit .326 in the 2016 Cape Cod League. Dunand's 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame would seemingly profile better at third base, but the Marlins intend to keep him at shortstop. Initial reports of his defense were encouraging, though he doesn't project to have much more than average range. Soft hands and an above-average arm will play at short or third, however, he has plus defensive potential at the hot corner. At the plate, Dunand's plus raw power grades well above his hit tool, but as long as he shrinks his strike zone and stays committed to using the whole field he could be projected as an above-average hitter. Dunand is an at least average runner. Dealing with a finger injury in 2017, Dunand returned to play just eight pro games in 2017, and he should begin 2018 at high Class A Jupiter.
Draft Prospects
The nephew of Alex Rodriguez, Dunand has been a three-year starter at N.C. State, playing third base as a freshman and shortstop the next two seasons. He fits better at third long term, as his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame lacks the range for short. However, his soft hands and above-average arm should make him a fine defender at the hot corner. Dunand got off to a poor offensive start, expanding his strike zone and getting pull-happy, before rebounding late with a power surge, finishing the regular season with 16 homers albeit with a .284 batting average. Dunand's plus power grades above his hitting ability, but his power and defense do profile well at third base. He's either a low-energy player or has a pro approach, depending on how each scout interpreted his demeanor. He could go out as high as the third round.
Career Transactions
Worcester Red Sox released SS Joe Dunand.
Gwinnett Stripers activated SS Joe Dunand.
Gwinnett Stripers transferred SS Joe Dunand to the Development List.
Gwinnett Stripers activated SS Joe Dunand.
Gwinnett Stripers transferred SS Joe Dunand to the Development List.
SS Joe Dunand roster status changed by Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta Braves invited non-roster SS Joe Dunand to spring training.
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