Similar to catcher, first base is not necessarily the biggest need for the Atlanta Braves ahead of the 2024 MLB Draft, as Matt Olson is cemented at the position for years to come. Could the Braves still potentially look to add at the position anyway in this year's draft?
If they choose to do so, here are three first basemen that the Braves should consider selecting in the upper round of the 2024 draft.
3 first basemen the Atlanta Braves should target in 2024 MLB Draft
Blake Burke, Tennessee
After the duo of Jac Caglianone and Nick Kurtz come off the board within the Top 10, all eyes will likely turn to Blake Burke as the next first baseman to hear his name called. Across his three seasons at Tennessee, Burke has slashed a combined .329/.420/.654 with 49 home runs, 131 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. He sports some of the most power offensively among all first basemen available in the draft.
No questions about this one. #GBO // #OTH // #OmaVols pic.twitter.com/JGe6nk61sj
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 20, 2024
Jared Jones, LSU
Speaking of power, there might not be a single prospect in this entire draft with greater raw power potential than Jones, who has spent the past two seasons at LSU. While there are still some questions about his defense, the offensive potential for Jones was evident with the Tigers by slashing a combined .303/.443/.703 with 42 homers, 104 RBI, and five stolen bases, which included 28 homers this past season as a sophomore.
LSU slugger Jared Jones registered 3 of the top 10 exit velos in Day 1 of the Draft Combine.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 19, 2024
Here's a look at yesterday's top performers: https://t.co/pvIj3JE0yK pic.twitter.com/VhujypU5pz
Corey Collins, Georgia
Lastly, could the Braves consider selecting a University of Georgia standout? A player that also has both catching and outfield experience, Collins slashed .289/.443/.548 with 45 homers and 152 RBI across the last four seasons at Georgia and is coming off a career year in which he slashed .354/.574/.772 with 20 homers and 58 RBI.
MORE! MORE! MORE!
— Georgia Baseball (@BaseballUGA) June 3, 2024
📺 https://t.co/QaF81Klywx (ESPN+)#GoDawgs | @CoreyGJ6 pic.twitter.com/ccrViOKksE
Aside from the three names mentioned above, here are a few other honorable mentions the Atlanta Braves should consider targeting during the upper rounds of the 2024 MLB Draft: Jared Thomas (Texas), Myles Bailey (Lincoln, FL), and Hunter Hines (Mississippi State).
As you can see, there are some great college first basemen available for this year's draft, and the Braves would be wise to consider them. It likely won't be their top priority although, with All-Star and Gold Glover Matt Olson locked up through 2029. However, it's always smart for any organization to consider every option on the board especially now that the universal DH exists.