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Atlanta Braves: 5 Early Standouts from the 2021 MLB Draft Class

By Matt Melton |
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 15: The Atlanta Braves Store the field following Dansby Swanson's walk off, game winning single in the ninth inning of an MLB game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on April 15, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 15: The Atlanta Braves Store the field following Dansby Swanson's walk off, game winning single in the ninth inning of an MLB game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on April 15, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves had success during the 2021 MLB Draft. However, what has happened since then?

The Atlanta Braves signed 19 of their 20 MLB Draft picks from early-July, with all 19 making their professional debuts since then. Debuting across different levels in the minor leagues, there are a few players in-particular who are impressing above the rest through limited action so far.

Five Atlanta Braves 2021 MLB Draft picks are off to impressive starts.

With the 2021 minor league season having concluded, there were five recent draft picks in-particular that are off to impressive starts to the Braves’ careers.

RHP Dylan Spain

Having last pitched with Hawaii-Hilo back in 2019, the Braves selected Spain in the 10th round of this past year’s draft. The right-hander made 11 relief appearances this season across three levels which included 17.2 scoreless innings with eight hits, two walks, and 21 strikeouts.

[ed. note:  I had to check that for myself, but it’s right:  no runs allowed for the year! ]

3B Justyn-Henry Malloy

Atlanta’s sixth round pick out of Georgia Tech, Malloy appeared in 37 games this season with Low-A Augusta, one of the largest sample-sizes of any recent Braves draft pick. Across 122 at-bats, Malloy slashed .270/.388/.434 with five home runs, 21 RBI’s, and four stolen bases.

OF Tyler Collins

Selected in the eighth round out of McKinney Boyd (TX), Collins appeared in 23 games this season with the FCL Braves. Spending a majority of his time in center field, the 18-year-old slashed .347/.424/.453 with seven RBI’s and 12 stolen bases.

RHP Ryan Cusick

Atlanta’s 2021 first round pick (No. 24 overall) and No. 6 prospect, Ryan Cusick made six starts this season with Low-A Augusta. Pitching a total of 16.1 innings, the right-hander posted a 2.76 ERA with four walks and 34 strikeouts.

INF Luke Waddell

The Braves No. 29 prospect, Waddell was selected in the fifth round after four seasons at Georgia Tech. Splitting time between second base, shortstop, and third base, Waddell slashed a combined .260/.324/.450 with six home runs and 15 RBI’s between High-A Rome and Double-A Mississippi.

Next. Is Bryce Elder a 2022 Rotation Option?. dark

With other notables including pitchers Andrew Hoffmann and Kris Anglin, as well as hitters Liam McGill and Tyler Tolve also off to impressive starts to their Braves’ careers, it appears early-on that the 2021 draft class will be an impactful one for the Atlanta Braves.

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