Atlanta Braves: 5 players to consider signing after the draft

Atlanta Braves love pitching, so here’s two options.

5. JACK LEFTWICH, RHP, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

• 6’4″ / 220
• 21.7 years old.
• Drafted by Detroit in 2017.
• Baseball America ranking:  157.

Yes – a righty named Leftwich.  There’s still a fair chance that Jack will be taken in these first 5 rounds, but teams with the idea of making him a “project” could see his raw ability emerge.

Obviously, Leftwich has the size of a starter, but in Gainsville he was doing starter and reliever work.  He can pump in a mid-90’s fastball, but it’s a bit flat, and that led to getting hit around in the SEC.  Between that and some command issues, his ERA had been trending in the wrong direction.

He has a solid slider and decent changeup, but needs movement on the fastball to make all of his pitches more effective.  Do this and a team might find something.

4. MASON HICKMAN, RHP, VANDERBILT

• 6’6″ / 230
• 21.5 years old.
• Never drafted previously.
• BA ranking:  161.

Baseball America called him ‘one of the most reliable starters in the nation’ and he began 2020 as the Friday night starter for Vandy.

The trick here will be whether teams recognize his accomplishments despite the fact that he’s only a 90 mph pitcher… despite the size that would normally scream “big heater”.  The report on his offerings isn’t that great, but somehow his result are:  3.13 career ERA in college with 10.5 K per 9 innings and 2.9 walks per 9.

Despite the Hickman’s stock in trade is command over ‘stuff’, with descriptions about his makeup and feel for pitching that makes one think of Atlanta Braves legends like Tom Glavine.

But when you think about pitching programs at the collegiate level, Vanderbilt is right up there with the best.  Being the #1 starter for that team should speak volumes and perhaps the Braves should listen.

UPDATE:  Drafted by Cleveland in the 5th Round, Pick #154.