Atlanta Braves draft day two: Pitchers, infielders, and others… “oh my”
By Fred Owens
Luke Waddell SS Georgia Tech
Luke Waddell’s name came up as a potential Atlanta Braves target in the 2019 draft. The Diamondbacks selected him in the 32nd round then, but he chose to return to Tech and try to move up.
Baseball American ranked Waddell at number 175 going into the draft and the number ten prospect in Georgia. Listed as a shortstop Waddell also spent time at third base for the Yellow Jackets.
He’s a smooth defender all over the infield and a contact hitter who is extremely difficult to strike out; his 5.7% strikeout rate is near the best in the country. Added to his bat-to-ball skills, this package projects as a top-of-the-order table-setter who runs the bases. Most scouts see him as a super-utility type player with occasional power and a league-average bat.
Teammates together
The Atlanta Braves took Waddell’s partner on the left side of the Yellow jacket’s infield with their next pick.
Justyn-Henry Malloy, is 6’-2, 212-pound third baseman ranked number 214 nationwide by Baseball America and the number 12 prospect in Georgia. Over his three years at Georgia Tech, Malloy batted .279/.438/.494/.931 with 63 walks and 52 strikeouts.
He’s never been a big power hitter, but he hit 11 homers and 17 doubles this season and scouts believe there’s untapped, raw power there. He has a good understanding of the zone but struggles to recognize breaking pitches.
On defense, Malloy shows soft, quick hands with above-average arm strength that can become erratic when he hurries his throws. Scouts suggest he could stick at third once he gets his internal clock synch, or move to second and provide a solid league average bat
Another Georgia Tech product. Justyn-Henry Malloy is more of an upside play. Quick bat and hands. Can line it to all fields and knows the zone. Good glove at 3B. Strong and athletic.
— David Lee (@David11Lee) July 12, 2021