Atlanta Braves linked to rare Switch pitcher by 2 insiders

As the 2024 MLB Draft draws closer, the Atlanta Braves picture becomes clearer – and a favored option could emerge.

In two separate mock drafts, one by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and the other by MLB.Com’s Jim Callis, the Braves received Mississippi State pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, who throws both right-handed and left-handed.

And according to ESPN, the Braves at No. 24 are where any potential slide will end for Cijntje.

“This is considered the starting point of the Cijntje pitch change phenomenon,” writes McDaniel.

Cijntje, 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, was drafted two years ago by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round as a shortstop, but instead honored his commitment to the Bulldogs, where he quickly earned a prominent role.

As a freshman, Cijntje broke team records with 50 innings and 63 strikeouts en route to a 3-5 record and 8.10 ERA in 14 games, starting all but one.

The Pembroke Pines, Fla., native has been much stronger this season, posting a 3.67 ERA and an 8-2 record in 16 games, all starts. He logged 90.2 innings, striking out 113 while walking only 30.

Born left-handed, Cijntje began throwing right-handed at the age of six in hopes of emulating his father, Mechangelo, a former professional baseball player in the Netherlands.

The young Cijntje rose to fame thanks to his ability to throw – and dominate – with both hands.

But where is its future? Will he continue to throw to both ends as a pro? Callis offered a response.

“I would make him a full-time right-handed pitcher,” Callis wrote. “I think he’s basically a right-handed starter and a left-handed reliever at the same time. The idea would be if you made him a full-time right-handed pitcher, he could become even better because he focuses even more on the development of these lands.

Cijntje has long been a popular pick for the Braves, and as the draft, which begins July 14, draws closer, momentum continues to build around a potential duo.