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Atlanta Braves Mock Draft Monday, Version 4.3

By Benjamin Chase

Jun 14, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; Louisville Cardinals right fielder Corey Ray (2) catches the fly ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during game two of the 2014 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. Vanderbilt won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; Louisville Cardinals right fielder Corey Ray (2) catches the fly ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during game two of the 2014 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. Vanderbilt won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Logan Shore (32) started the game against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Logan Shore (32) started the game against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves Mock Draft Monday: Remaining Options

Pick #44
So the Braves have a pure hitter high school outfielder and a left-handed pitching prospect from high school in Kansas. What would they pursue at pick #44 in the second round?

I see four routes – college arm, catcher, BPA college bat, or BPA high school bat. With the set up that happened in the draft above, a lot of the depth in the high school pitching class has worked its way off the board at the end of the first round. I am very intrigued by a number of college pitchers still on the board, and the Braves most likely will be looking for a player to help cut some cost from taking Moniak and Wentz.

Then you have the catchers. I mentioned catchers last week as most likely not an option until after the fourth round, but if they could work out a good deal with a college catcher like Logan Ice or Sean Murphy that helps their financial standing, then I could see that move at 44.

So, then we come to the best available bat, college and high school. On the college side, I’ve mentioned Heath Quinn a few times, and he’s still on the board here. I’d definitely have no qualms with picking him as well. There are a number of other bats, like Austin Hays, that intrigue me from the college class as well.

The high school bats offer Carter Kieboom, a power hitting infielder from Georgia, Bo Bichette, Dante’s son from Florida, Outfielder Akil Baddoo from Georgia, and South Carolina prep outfielder Thomas Jones. I’ve mentioned before my love of Baddoo’s skill set, and I really think if he’s on the board, even in this situation, he brings a blend of power and speed that could be great to have in the system.

My selection at #44? I’m looking to balance out the money spent on the first two picks here, so I’m going after the college arm that impresses me most over the next couple of weeks.

Picks #76/80
After the Brian Matusz trade with the Orioles, the Braves do have two selections at 76 and 80 left in the top 100 picks to consider. Pick #76 is one selection after where the Braves got A.J. Minter in the 2015 draft, and I could absolutely see another similar selection this year, going after someone like Matt Krook or Daulton Jefferies if they make it that far as guys with big arms when healthy.

I’d also consider with one of the two selections to go after another solid bat on the board before heading into the area of the draft where they’re going to start cutting deals with their selections, whether it be a “senior sign” pitcher or a high schooler they believe will sign for under slot.

Next: Braves Minor League Database

So, the way I have this balanced out would be 5 selections – 3 pitchers, 2 hitters. Lots of upside with this draft, but obviously lots of risk as well.

What would be your thoughts on this situation?!

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