Picking at #22 in the 2025 MLB Draft meant that the Atlanta Braves were at the mercy of most of the rest of the league. The Braves could have a list of guys that they would like to take in the first round, but having any semblance of that list of players actually available when they pick is much tougher and that doesn't factor in the big draft bonus pool teams that may be trying to push a player to their next pick with big overslot offers.
The vast majority of the most recent mock drafts had Atlanta looking at college players on both sides of the ball with pitchers Gage Wood, Patrick Forbes, and Tyler Bremner along with shortstops Marek Houston and Wehiwa Aloy getting the most mentions.
However, one name that got some traction late in the process was Nevada high school shortstop Tate Southisene. As it turns out, that noise was real as the Braves did end up picking Southisene at #22 overall.
Braves finally picked a bat in the first round with Tate Southisene
Well. we didn't see that coming. So much attention was being given to names like College World Series hero Wood and Louisville starter Forbes. However, it seems like the Braves are finally willing to go outside their comfort zone and give their prospect ranks a much needed infusion of position player talent.
In short, Southisene can just flat out hit with at least above average power right now. The bat speed is great, he moves around really well, and he has the athleticism to stick at shortstop long-term. Given the current state of the shortstop position in Atlanta, he can't be ready soon enough.
The thing to watch now is who the Braves take next. Southisene has a chance to be an underslot signing and if that is the case, Atlanta could make a move with their next pick.