It is now draft day and therefore it is one of the most important days of the year for the franchise. The Braves will have an opportunity to add a bunch of talent to the organization looking towards the future. The Braves have the 25th largest bonus pool and the 24th pick in the first round. That’s not tremendous draft capital, but the Braves have found some very valuable players in the draft even without huge bonus pools. I would expect the Braves to make an underslot pick in the first to spread money around later in the draft unless someone unexpected falls. They have found some nice pieces like Michael Harris, Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver, and others using this strategy. I would like to see them add a shortstop with real upside to the organization, but drafting for need is less important in baseball, since player development takes so long.
Braves News
Braves’ catching prospect Drake Baldwin had two balls hit at over 100 MPH, including a 107.3 MPH homer for the NL in the Futures Game.
Max Fried was selected as the replacement for Ranger Suarez on the NL All-Star team, a deserving selection for the lefty in his likely last season in Atlanta.
Garrett went through 10 players to know from the state of Georgia in the draft this year, all but one of which could be there for Atlanta.
The Braves’ offense failed to show up, getting shut out in a 4-0 loss, as Dylan Cease was masterful for San Diego.
MLB News
The trade deadline is starting to get moving, as the Royals traded a solid prospect and a competitive balance pick in Sunday’s draft for reliever Hunter Harvey.
The Twins are putting Jose Miranda on the IL, as the infielder is having a breakout season, although buoyed by some serious batted ball luck.
Dodgers’ Dustin May’s season is over, as he is dealing with a torn esophagus while eating, requiring surgery this week.
The Orioles placed their young outfielder Heston Kjerstad on the 7-day concussion IL, after getting a concussion Friday.
The Rockies are placing their own young outfielder Nolan Jones on the 10-day IL with a low back strain. Jones had a fantastic 2023, but his 2024 has been quite rough so far.
