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Atlanta Braves: 2019 draft preview

By Kyle Walter

The Atlanta Braves failed to sign their first round pick but signed nearly everyone else selected in 2018 MLB Amateur Draft. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves failed to sign their first round pick but signed nearly everyone else selected in 2018 MLB Amateur Draft. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
SECAUCUS, NJ – JUNE 5: Commissioner Allan H. Bud Sellig at the podium during the MLB First-Year Player Draft at the MLB Network Studio on June 5, 2014 in Secacucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Best pitcher available

Why the need?
You can never have too much starting pitching. As the number of arm injuries among pitchers rises as velocity numbers also rise, it is important to have a stockpile of young arms available. The Braves certainly have that already. However, a current logjam at the major league level makes it a near certainty that some of the excess depth will be traded at some point.

With that being said, I think drafting a high school arm who would likely require years of development would be a smart move. By the time they would be ready for their shot at the big leagues, there would likely be a spot available in the rotation.

Scouting Profile
Brennan Malone is one of the best high school pitchers available in the upcoming draft class. Here is Baseball America’s brief profile:

"“Malone stood out as an underclassman during the showcase circuit last summer, throwing in the low 90s with good feel for spinning a breaking ball. His fastball has touched as high as 97 mph early this summer, but he also has impressive secondaries in an 83-85 mph fading changeup and mid-70s curveballj with 12-to-6 break. Both could become plus offerings down the line.”"

Mymlbdraft.com had great footage of Malone and gave me a great idea of how good his stuff is. Assuming he is still available, I think he would be a great option for the Braves to add to the starting depth in the system.

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