Atlanta Braves: 2019 draft preview
It’s still 8 months away, but it’s never too early to begin thinking about what direction the Atlanta Braves could go in the 2019 MLB draft
The 2019 draft could end up being the last draft for a long time that the Atlanta Braves have a high pick. This is great news for Braves fans, as it signals a return to prominence after years where the draft was the only thing to look forward to.
With all that in mind, in this article I intend to look at a few prospects who I think would be a good fit for the Braves at pick number 9. Since I haven’t scouted these players myself, I will be referring to a Baseball America article for relevant stats and scouting profiles. This article lists Baseball America’s top 10 college and high school prospects for the draft.
Of course, words don’t always give the best impression of a prospect. So, I did some digging and found a site called mymlbdraft.com. I will link player profiles on the site for any relevant videos for each prospect. In the interest of time, I will be analyzing the 4 players I think would be the best fit for the Braves with their first selection at #9 overall.
Of course, the Atlanta Braves have the privilege of selecting again at 21 overall, so the team could come away with two very good players before the first round is even over.
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.
Shorstop
Why the need?
Dansby Swanson has been a clutch player this year, but he has had some hiccups at the plate overall. His average sits at a pedestrian .238 on the season. However, his defense has been a huge boon to the team. Considering his recent tear of ligaments in his left hand, it’s time to look to the future.
Looking into the Braves minor league system, I don’t really see any great shortstops throughout the system. Coming in at number 4 on the Baseball America draft rankings for college players, shortstop Logan Davidson would be a great insurance policy for the Braves in the event that Swanson’s hitting never comes around or his defense regresses to 2017 levels.
Scouting Report
Here’s what Baseball America thinks about him:
“Seth Beer got all the attention at Clemson, but Davidson was the Tigers’ best prospect. A switch-hitter, Davidson has above-average power and gets to it in games, though it comes with a fair amount of swing-and-miss. He has a rangy frame at a listed at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and he has a chance to stay at shortstop thanks to his range and arm.”
Watching video of him, Davidson’s power really stands out. Earlier in the year in a huge inning from Clemson, he had home runs from both sides of the plate. His swing is smooth and fluid and just looks like it will be a factor at the pro level. Personally, I think switch hitters are a huge asset to any team if they can hit well enough from both sides. As Baseball America said, his defense is also a plus, meaning he would probably be able to stick at the position.
Outfield
Why the need?
The Braves outfield has been a huge part of the team this year. Their play (especially Ronald Acuna Jr.) has carried the team for stretches of the season. However, Nick Markakis may not be back next season due to his impending free agency. With that in mind, I’d like to look forward to the possible future of the outfield.
Riley Greene is widely considered to be the best pure hitter in the 2019 high school draft class. He has a compact swing that has a lot of power and he demonstrates a great ability to hit for contact.
Scouting Report
Here’s what Baseball America’s scouting report had to say:
“Greene has arguably the best pure hit tool in the 2019 high school class, with quick hands out of the lefthanded batter’s box in addition to a discerning eye at the plate. He appears calm and in control of his at-bats, regardless of the count and has a track record of walking at a high rate. He should continue to hit for more power and already has solid pull-side pop.”
Watching some of his at bats, he seems to have great discipline at the plate as well. I was impressed by the way he carried himself. Picking Greene here is unlikely for the Braves, as he is projected to go as high as number 4 in the draft. However, if he were to fall to pick number 9, he would be a great selection to plan for the future of the outfield. As the rash of injuries in the outfield for teams over the years has indicated, you can never have too much depth.
Best overall available
Why the need?
The Atlanta Braves catchers have done a solid job this season, no doubt about that. However, each one has striking flaws that make them imperfect to run out behind the dish. Tyler Flowers is great at receiving the ball and throwing out baserunners, but his hitting leaves much to be desired.
Kurt Suzuki, on the other hand, is almost the opposite. He is a very good hitting catcher, but he struggles to throw out baserunners consistently. Flowers recently signed an extension, but Suzuki is a pending free agent after the season. It’s time to look to the future of the position in the draft.
I’m going to go ahead and say that this one is a bit of a long shot, as he is projected to be drafted well ahead of the number 9 pick. However, if he is available, he would be my pick for the Braves.
Scouting Report
If Adley Rutschman falls to the Braves at 9, it would be a perfect fit. The team is in need of a long-term option at the position. Baseball America has him ranked as the top college prospect in the country.
More from Tomahawk Take
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Here is their scouting report:
“Rutschman came to Oregon State as both a catcher and a kicker for the football team and played both sports as a freshman. He gave up football this year and broke out at the plate to earn All-America honors. Listed at 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, Rutschman is a physical, switch-hitting catcher. He is a patient hitter who has burgeoning power, though to this point it has mostly played to the gaps. He is an asset behind the plate, where he has well a above-average arm and does a good job of receiving, blocking and managing the staff.”
Watching Rutschman’s tape, he looks like a very advanced hitter. The fact that he is a switch hitter makes him much more appealing as a draft choice as well. Unfortunately, I doubt he will be available for the Braves to choose at 9. He is simply too talented. Whether the Braves get him or not, the catcher position needs to be addressed in the near future. Hopefully ownership will finally be willing to open their pocketbooks to buy some free agency upgrades in the near future.
Next. Atlanta Braves End Year Recap. dark
That’s a first take at what the Atlanta Braves could be looking at with the 9th overall selection. What do you think? Who would you pick? Comment below!