It’s that time of the year again for the MLB, as all 30 organizations set out to pump up their squad’s roster. This year’s draft will take place between July 11-July 13 and will be comprised of 20 rounds, which is in stark contrast to the 2020 draft which only had 5 rounds.
As for the Atlanta Braves, the franchise will have the 24th pick in the first round. This draft opportunity is crucial for the Braves, as its staff is attempting to build a winning team that could potentially lead them to their first World Series win since 1995.
Fortunately, the momentum is already high in Atlanta as the team is currently sitting fourth in the NL East, behind the Mets, Nationals, and Phillies. In fact, the Braves beat last year’s reigning Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in two out of the three games they played together in early June. Between now and the draft, upcoming matchups will take place between the Mets, Marlins, Pirates, and more. The best expert MLB picks and predictions to follow on each game will continue all the way up until the playoffs.
When it comes to the draft, it is impossible to predict exactly who will be selected, but it’s always a fun time for fans of Brave Country to guess which rookies each team may choose. Here are some players who could be first-round picks for the Atlanta franchise in 2021.
Ryan Cusick
Cusick is definitely an option for the Braves when it comes to their draft targets. The right-handed pitcher out of the Wake Forest University Deacons team has an extremely strong arm with his fastball being clocked at a speedy 102 mph. At 6-foot-6, Cusick stands with authority on the mound and possesses great control in his pitching delivery.
Just as a sophomore, the RHP recorded a total of 43 strikeouts over the course of 22.1 innings. Although there is some work that could be done when it comes to his pitching consistency, Cusick would make a great rookie addition to the Bravos.
Bubba Chandler
Many are predicting that another RHP, Bubba Chandler, will be recruited by the Braves in the first round. Chandler comes from North Oconee High in Bogart, Georgia, and plays both at shortstop and on the bump. Although his fastball isn’t as quick as Cusick’s, coming in at the mid-90’s, his versatility makes him an asset for any organization.
Incredibly, Chandler is a skilled football player as well and a prospect in both college ball programs. One thing’s for certain — this one’s athleticism is truly something special.
Harry Ford
Coming from the North Cobb Warriors high school team is Harry Ford, the elite catcher everyone has their eyes on for the 2021 MLB Draft. Ford is all of the things a player behind the mask should be: fast, confident, and great at driving the ball to all corners of the field.
Although he lacks real experience at other field positions, his at-bat stats are impressive and prove he could potentially excel in another position besides catcher. The Braves could benefit from another asset in this area and Ford is a highly competitive option.
Turner Field, pictured here, was the Braves permanent home field up until 2017 when the organization announced it would be moving outside downtown Atlanta to Truist Park in Cobb County
Adrian Del Castillo
Another high-ranked catcher the Braves could snatch up is Adrian Del Castillo. Currently playing for the Miami Hurricanes behind the plate and as a right fielder, Del Castillo has even more talent at bat as he recorded 55 hits and three home runs during the 2021 season.
Although the Marlins are also looking at a player to strengthen their catching position, the Braves could choose Del Castillo as their 24th pick and gain a great rookie athlete all-rounder.
Benny Montgomery
Benny Montgomery is an outfielder from Red Land High in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania. A great baseball player across the board, Montgomery is a superb thrower, fielder, and hitter all in one. A number of other franchises have him on their radar and besides Atlanta, some have him projected to be a pick for the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the pros, he can be compared to Cody Bellinger as the Dodgers star rivals his speed and athletic ability. Bellinger was also named MVP and Rookie of the Year, a title that Montgomery could also one day attain in the major leagues.
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