The 2017 MLB Draft fell in a manner that gave the Braves a choice, and they have nabbed a pitcher who could fast-track his way to the majors.
With the 5th overall pick, the Atlanta Braves have selected right-handed Vanderbilt junior Kyle Wright.
A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Wright was available through a course of events that worked into the Braves’ favor… starting 3 years ago.
#Braves take Vandy pitcher Kyle Wright, who many had projected as No. 1 pick as recently as 3 days ago.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 12, 2017
Coming out of Buckhorn High School, Kyle and his baseball coach/father had to fend off teams that wanted him as either a pitcher or third baseman in the 2014 draft. They were successful in delivering that message, and the family plan turned toward availability this year.
Kyle Wright: "Me and my brothers grew up the biggest fans on the Braves. It really couldn't be more of a prouder or special moments for me."
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 13, 2017
Baseball America had ranked Wright 5th among college players alone coming into this year’s baseball season, but in the end had him 2nd overall with their final charting of 500 draft prospects.
The Turning Gears
Brendan McKay passed on offer made to him by @Twins at 1. Look for Royce Lewis to go 1-1, guessing McKay goes 4 to Rays. @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 12, 2017
The Twins wanted to be frugal… and that lead them away from Hunter Greene, away from Brendan McKay… and possibly Wright as well. Once they selected Royce Lewis, the dominoes starting falling into place:
- Minnesota: Lewis
- Cincinnati: Greene
- San Diego: MacKenzie Gore
- Tampa Bay: McKay
2 guys I was told #Braves wanted at 5, Wright and Beck, are both still available and ATL is about to pick
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 12, 2017
So the Braves had a choice… the pitcher closer to the majors or the potential big bat from high school – though Austin Beck did not come without some risks.
So they opted for Wright… as their board dictated. And the family definitely approved:
That moment when your dream comes true! #BravesDraft: https://t.co/1754eS0RgP pic.twitter.com/85ZHtgsSYR
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 13, 2017
The Quotes
#Braves scouting director Brian Bridges said not only do they feel they got the player they wanted, but the best player in the entire draft.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 12, 2017
As Mark Bowman quoted Bridges:
“It’s far-fetched when you get the guy who is still on the board who shouldn’t still be on the board who is advanced for his age,” Bridges said. “He brings everything we want to see. He was definitely No. 1 on our board, so we feel really good about where we are.”
Kyle Wright: "It's an absolute honor and a pleasure to be drafted by the #Braves. It really couldn't be more of a special or prouder moment"
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 13, 2017
More from Bridges:
#Braves Director of Scouting @BrianBridges discusses the selection of @Kyle_Wright44. #BravesDraft pic.twitter.com/HQuXVnuG5G
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 12, 2017
“Plus fastball, plus curveball, plus slider… has feel for a changeup with good command.”
“It’s far-fetched when you get the guy who’s still on the board who shouldn’t be on the board and he’s advanced for his age and he brings everything we want to see… he was definitely up there number one on our board.”
What Are We Getting?
Wright is 6’5″/215, a 21½ year old right-hander with a strong fastball. Bowman’s report also tells us that he hits 97 mph on the gun and struck out 121 hitters over 103 innings this season, yielding 31 walks in the process.
Various sites suggest that Wright’s secondary pitches are also solid – perhaps major league ready, even – with his curve and slider leading the the way. Never mind that Bridges was clearly sold on his mix.
Perhaps even more importantly, Wright does not have an injury history of any concern.
It appears that Wright started slowly this season, but finished strong – accounting for his rise in the BA rankings.
Given his pitching experience and innings accumulation, the Braves probably do not need to be terribly concerned about easing him in to pro ball. It is quite plausible that Wright could be competing for a spot in the major league rotation as early as next Spring.
Signability?
He’s on schedule as per the family plan, he’s from the South, he’s a Braves fan… heck, he could be the fastest 1st round sign we’ve ever seen.
Next: Keep Watch on the Draft HERE
Congratulations to Brian Bridges for getting his man, and congratulations to Kyle Wright – welcome to the Braves family!