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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
Atlanta Braves Shortstop Dansby Swansson celebrates with champagne after clinching the NL East Division against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he may not be available for the NLDS due to a partially torn ligament in his right hand. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

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.

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