Atlanta Braves sign four of their top-ten 2021 draft picks

The Atlanta Braves selected Nebraska pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach withtheir second pick in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves selected Nebraska pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach withtheir second pick in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves signed Anderson De Los Santos, an 18-year-old shortstop out of Central High School, in Providence R.I. [The Providence Journal / Kris Craig]

Change of plans

After discussions with his family, he decided to take the courses needed this summer and graduate. Now classified as a senior and eligible for the draft after graduation, scouts returned, and the Atlanta Braves were the first team to show up.

". . . the Braves identified him as a middle infield prospect. He’s not sure if that means he’ll play shortstop, second base or anywhere else on the diamond. “I’ve played every position in my life,” he said. “So I’ll do whatever they ask.”"

This link takes you to a video of the newest Braves infield prospect at the Future Stars Combine in April. He played well enough there to earn an invitation to the MLB combine in June.

De Los Santos begins his professional career today.

If you search for this name, you’ll find that the Orioles signed a Dominican shortstop with the same name in January. The two players are similar in appearance, but the Orioles player is a year younger and currently playing in the Dominican Summer League.

That’s a wrap

I expect to see the Atlanta Braves sign Cal Conley and Justyn-Henry Malloy soon; high school prospects are typically signed close to the final signing day.

I don’t expect news of a Ryan Cusick or Spencer Schwellenbach signing this week. Only seven on the 29 first-round selections are signed as I write this. None of the comp-round selections are signed, and only three second-rounds are under contract.

When signings happen, I’ll keep you updated here on The Take.

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