Atlanta Braves: Ranking the Positional Needs Going into the 2021 MLB Draft

3. Left-Handed Pitcher

Notable Depth:

• Max Fried – MLB

• Kyle Muller – MLB

• Tucker Davidson – MLB

• Jared Shuster – A+

Similar to the previous position, the Braves will end up taking their fair share of pitchers in this draft. However, when compared to right-handed arms, you could make the argument that southpaws are the bigger need for Atlanta.

Max Fried appears to be the arguable ace of this Braves staff going forward, while other top left-handed prospects such as Muller and Davidson will certainly feature a prominent role from here on. Aside from 2020 first-round pick and No. 6 prospect Jared Shuster, however, the Braves have really no clear left-handed pitching depth in their system making selecting a few southpaws in this draft a likely move.

2. Middle Infield

Notable Depth:

• Ozzie Albies – MLB

• Dansby Swanson – MLB

• Orlando Arcia – MLB

• Braden Shewmake – AA

• Vaughn Grissom – A

This could be arguably the toughest position group to call of them all solely based on pure need. Albies appears a 100% given to roam second base in Atlanta for years to come, but how will Dansby Swanson and newest Brave Orlando Arcia, both of whom are free agents in 2023, factor into future plans?

Atlanta could always sign/trade for a premier shortstop in future years, or let notable prospects such as Braden Shewmake or Vaughn Grissom develop into potential future options. However, with multiple premier middle infielders available in the first and second rounds of this draft, selecting one early-on makes a lot of sense for the Braves here.