3 Shortstops the Atlanta Braves Should Target in the 2024 MLB Draft

If there’s one infield position in particular that the Atlanta Braves should target before others in the 2024 MLB Draft this July, shortstop might just be your answer.

Even despite notable prospects such as Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Jose Perdomo among others within the organization, the Braves could still target the position in July to add more middle depth to the farm system. This could come as early as the upper rounds of the draft or in the middle.

If they do as well, here are three names they should consider in the upper rounds, starting with a high school name from the state of Alabama.

Carter Johnson (Oxford, AL)

We start in the high school ranks with Johnson, who should likely come off the board at some point, either in the second half of the first round or early in the second. Coming out of Oxford High School in Alabama, Johnson is a player committed to the state Crimson Tide and has tools that rank as average to above average across the board, including an ability to hit for both contact and power.

Kyle DeBarge (Louisiana-Lafayette)

The 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year slashed .356/.418/.699 with 21 homers, 72 RBIs and 10 stolen bases last season at Louisiana-Lafayette. Kyle DeBarge is an intriguing name to watch in the collegiate ranks. A player with a plus hit, run and arm tool, DeBarge posted a career .959 OPS over his three seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette and should be a shortstop to watch from the second to third rounds.

DeBarge finished second in the Sun Belt Conference in several categories, including hitting percentage (.699), OPS (1.117), home runs (21), hits (91) and strikeouts (256). His 21 home runs set a new single-season home run record in school history.

His surprising pop and quality defense would be a perfect move for the Atlanta Braves if he becomes available.

Colby Shelton (Florida)

We conclude with another college player, Colby Shelton, a shortstop from Florida who began his college career in 2023 at Alabama as a third baseman. After posting a 1.149 OPS with 25 home runs and 51 RBIs at Alabama as a freshman, Shelton had a bit of a disappointing year in 2024, hitting .254 on the season.

However, Shelton still had two overall impressive college seasons in the SEC, hitting .275/.394/.630 with 45 home runs, 107 RBIs and six stolen bases. He’s a good left-handed hitter who could provide upside at shortstop in Atlanta’s minor league system.

A position loaded with talent in the 2024 MLB Draft, here are a few others the Atlanta Braves could target in July at shortstop: Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia), Rustan Rigdon (Metter, Ga.) and Payton Green (Georgia Tech). Could any of these names end up in the Braves organization soon?

More from the house Hank built