[Editor’s note: I follow the Atlanta Braves. We are incredibly lucky to have snowshine follow everybody else in the organization, even people who have been here for a day-and-a-half. Thanks]

In this year’s draft the Braves chose seven players from the high school ranks. What sets this apart from other years is that all seven will get overslot deals and be considered real prospects. Let’s get introduced!

Kaiden McCarthy is a right hander signed for about $500k over slot (they really like him!) As a player the first thing to note is his age – still 17 – because he graduated from high school a year early. He would likely have been a top 15 pick next year. While “only” 6 foot, he has a great fastball topping out at 101 and typically sitting 96. He also has an above average curve, a slider and a rudimentary change. Given his arm action, I assume the change will be scrapped for a split. He may get a few innings in rookie ball but more likely fall instructionals will be his first real action. He is likely a slow mover through the minors as the team severely limits innings for young arms.

RHP Jenson Hirschkorn is the new dude, getting a $4M bonus that ties our #1 pick, AJ Gracia, for the largest bonus in the class. Standing 6 foot 7, Hirsch already has 3 plus pitches and better than average control and command. He won’t move fast through the system as he still needs to fill out his body and that takes time but he has the highest ceiling among this year’s draft class. I imagine he starts off at Augusta next year. 

Cole Dennis is our first lottery pick. While he already has a slightly plus fastball and slider, scouts think his body will fill out and therefore project much more to come from him. He currently has poor command and control and will almost certainly stay in extended spring training next year until the rookie league gets going or perhaps even longer like Briggs MacKenzie this year. That plan is working well for Briggs so far.

Tyson Grulkowski can really spin a curveball while sitting 92 with his heater. His body is already maxxed out so scouts are divided on whether he will be a starter or reliever. The development of a third pitch will be key. He will likely begin at the complex next year. 

The question with Jack Brenner is catcher or third base? His best tools are arm and hit which suggests third as catchers often stall developmentally due to injuries. OTOH, he has put up sub 2 second pop times to second on basestealers and is reportedly already as polished as high school catchers get defensively. He has yet to sign but is expected to.

The Braves announced Ryne Barker as a third baseman but most scouts see him as a better fit in center field to take advantage of his double-plus speed. We gave him 4th round money but he has way more upside than your average 4th rounder. I imagine we will know the development plan by his assignment next spring as he would go to the complex as a center fielder or A- as a third baseman.

Finally, we get to Cole Dorland, a smallish (a little short of 6 feet) RHP from Canada. Dorland is another projection play as the Braves are happy to sign kids from cold weather areas because they often have untapped talent that can be brought out by good coaching. Think Mike Soroka here (I am not comparing them physically or as pitchers). He has yet to sign but is expected to.

Where do they fit in the system?

I don’t like to rank guys before they have played professionally. Put a gun to my head and I would place Hirschkorn at the top of the 2nd tier with McCarthy and Barker somewhere in that same tier. The other guys I will need some data on 🙂