Atlanta Braves News: Drake Baldwin Shines at Futures Game, Draft and More

It’s now draft day, which makes it one of the most important days of the year for the franchise. The Braves will have the opportunity to add a ton of talent to the organization as they look to the future. The Braves have the 25th-largest bonus pool and the 24th overall pick in the first round. That’s not a ton of draft capital, but the Braves have found some very valuable players in the draft, even without huge bonus pools. I expect the Braves to make a sub-slot pick in the first round to spread the money later in the draft, unless an unexpected player falls. They’ve found good players like Michael Harris, Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver, and others using that strategy. I’d like to see them add a shortstop with real potential for the organization, but drafting for needs is less important in baseball because player development takes so long.

Braves News

Braves catcher prospect Drake Baldwin hit two balls over 100 MPH, including a 107.3 MPH home run for the NL in the Futures Game.

Max Fried was selected to replace Ranger Suarez on the National League All-Star team, a deserved selection for the left-hander in what will likely be his final season in Atlanta.

Garrett reviewed 10 Georgia State players to know in this year’s draft, all but one of whom could be there for Atlanta.

The Braves’ offense fell short, getting shut out in a 4-0 loss, while Dylan Cease was masterful for San Diego.

MLB News

The trade deadline is starting to move, as the Royals traded a solid prospect and a competitive balance pick in Sunday’s draft for reliever Hunter Harvey.

The Twins placed Jose Miranda on injured reserve as the infielder is having a breakout season, albeit one buoyed by some serious batting luck.

Dodgers Dustin May’s season is over after he suffered a torn esophagus while eating, requiring surgery this week.

The Orioles have placed young outfielder Heston Kjerstad on the seven-day concussion injured list after he suffered a concussion Friday.

The Rockies are placing their own young outfielder Nolan Jones on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. Jones had a fantastic 2023 season, but his 2024 season has been pretty rough so far.