MIAMI -- North Carolina State University shortstop Joe Dunand is a Miami native with a famous uncle. The nephew of Alexander Rodriguez, the 21-year-old now has the opportunity to chase his own big league dream.
The Marlins on Monday selected Dunand in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, making him the 51st overall pick and their third and final choice of the night.
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"He actually looks a little bit in the face like A-Rod," Marlins vice president of scouting Stan Meek said. "The swing, there's some similarities. If you watch his batting practice, there's some similarities in the way the swing works. I'm not telling you he's A-Rod, but the body is a little heavier. He's not quite as tall. But actual ease to the way he plays, and the way the swing works, you can see some of A-Rod in it."
• Marlins' 13th overall pick: Trevor Rogers
• Marlins' 36th overall pick: Brian Miller
The Draft continues on Tuesday with Rounds 3-10. The MLB.com preview show begins at 12:30 p.m. ET, with exclusive coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
As a junior at N.C. State, Dunand had a slash line of .287/.368/.632 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs. He showed power both in college and in the Cape Cod League, which uses wood bats.
At least initially in his pro career, Dunand will get an opportunity to play shortstop, although he may eventually wind up at third base.
"He showed power every year at N.C. State," Meek said. "Played well in the Cape. He's a shortstop, and we're going to leave him there at this point in time and see if he stays. He could play himself to third. If he does go to third, we like the power there also. Either way, we think it's going to fit."

Dunand attended Gulliver Prep High School in Coral Gables, and in 2014 he was taken in the 35th round by the Indians. The Marlins at that time considered drafting the right-handed-hitting infielder, but they felt he was seeking more to sign than they were willing to pay, so he opted to play at North Carolina State.
The slot value for the 51st pick is $1,326,800.
The Marlins had a busy first day of the Draft, with three picks. With the 13th overall selection, they went with left-hander Trevor Rogers from Carlsbad High School in New Mexico. At No. 36, they chose University of North Carolina outfielder Brian Miller in the Competitive Balance Round A.