Here are some Day 2 options for the Braves for the 2023 MLB Draft.
With Day 1 of the 2023 MLB Draft in the books, it’s time to take a look at Day 2 and some players the Atlanta Braves could be targeting in the middle day of the event. After Day 1, we know the Braves will likely have some cash to play with, so options should be available for them – although with one of the lower bonus pools in the league, they don’t have much room to go beyond slot either.
In this article, we’re going to look at a few people who could get into the third or fourth round, a few people who could go a little later in the day, as well as some Senior Sign-type discount players.
Possible early picks
Steven Echavarria, RHP, New Jersey HS – After a run on college army, the Braves might decide to dive into the prep pool and snag a cold-weather state contender with four average or better pitches and some projection left. The Florida player not only has projection, but also pitching ability and possibly above-average command. This would be a good choice where the team would have a lot to do.
Drew Burress, OF, Georgia HS – Houston County HS local player isn’t the tallest player at just 5’7″ and 175, but Drew Burress is a hard-fighting player, but he’s an aggressive player with four average or better tools. Burress is at least above average as a runner and fielder with a very strong arm, making him an asset on the field and using his aggressive approach to maximize power in his smaller physique. There are some questions as to whether Georgia Tech’s signing will be enough, but the advantage is real and he has received positive competition for his skill and style of play.
Brandon Winokur, OF, California HS – Perhaps my favorite realistic remaining prep pick in the draft is California prep star Brandon Winokur. The UCLA player is a big boy (5’11, 750 feet tall) with potentially more strength and speed and a strong arm suited for right field when unable to play center.
Jack Hurley, O.F. Virginia Tech – Jack Hurley is widely regarded as the best collegiate bat surviving in this draft after day one. He’s been productive in Virginia Tech’s tough ACC and the midfielder is a kid with four tools above average or better. The only tool not included is of course the striking tool, which scores rather average or maybe rather mediocre (45/50 rating on a scale of 20 to 80). His power, speed and defense are unquestionable and he seems like a guy who should at least be able to punch enough to be a fourth outfielder when he gets down with the punching tool.
Later day selection
Roc Riggio, 2B/OF, Oklahoma State – Roc Riggio is somewhat similar to former Braves contender Justyn-Henry Malloy in that he’s a college player with no real defensive base but who only scores. He’s only 1.75m tall and a below-average runner, but his knack for hitting with some brute force and always playing hard helps him make the most of the skills at his disposal. One thing that might be holding him back from the early part of day two is the fact that he struggled a bit in the Cape Cod League with wooden bats, but this is a player I’ve personally seen and watch batting could, which I didn’t have any concerns about the racquet.
Christian Little, RHP, LSU – Christian Little is one of the most interesting arms in this design. This kid was a real potential top 10 pick out of high school, but was knocked out of the draft by enlisting early at Vanderbilt. He did well there as a freshman but transferred to LSU for the season, struggling with both results and finding a role. The things that made him a potential top 10 pick after graduating high school two years ago still make him intriguing despite his tough year at LSU. Little is an arm that has the potential to be unlocked and taking him would be a bet on getting that out of him.
Cam Minacci, RHP, guard forest – Not only do the Braves like Wake Forest’s guns, but they also have no problem taking on substitutes on Day 2. And that’s what Minacci is, a true substitute. Minacci only has two courts, but both the fastball and slider are pluses and he’s had a better season in command this year, leading to the belief that he could play an important role in a big league bullpen.
Kendrey Maduro, SS, Fla. JUCO – Kendrey Maduro is shortstop for one of the top JUCOs in Florida and is a skilled player with real power. There are some real questions about his batting tool and strikeouts, but the other tools are real. At just under 19, he’s young for his class and has put in a strong performance in the MLB Draft League this year – a place the Braves really earned last season.
senior signs
Kyle Hess, OF, Pitt – Kyle Hess is an ACC outfielder with some prep experience and a track record of playing in one of the toughest leagues in the country. However, he is already 24 years old and fought with bats in both the Cape Cod League and the MLB Draft League. You can’t ignore the fact that he’s a kid who can walk on bases, hit for some more base pop, and steal some bases. He has made fewer than 50 plate appearances in the MLBD and his problems at the Cape date back to 2019.
Jackson Finley, DH/P, Georgia Tech – Jackson Finley joined Georgia Tech as a pitcher in 2020, and while he was still pitching full-time that year, he got more batting opportunities. Finley started this season with 15 career plate appearances but this year was a full-time twoser, hitting .328/.397/.672 with 17 homers. Strikeouts are very high at 79 in 224 PA, but this is also his first real taste of batting at the collegiate level. The hope with a player like this is that with a little more time and experience, he can reduce the strikeouts enough that the power play gets a little stronger. There are other teams who prefer him as a pitcher despite a tough season on the mound as he can go up to 98 MPH and has a promising curve. The lack of experience could work in his favor as a bat, or the stuff could be used in a back-up role – and he has the option of having the other available to himself as a fallback.
Kyle Amendt, RHP, Dallas Baptist – Dallas Baptist has been quietly drafting prospects for the past decade, and Amendt is another. He’s a reliever who’s more of a mid-’90s fastball guy, but analysis-mad teams like the Braves love those numbers.
Jace Grady, OF, Dallas Baptist– Grady is a second player in the DBU who would make an interesting senior signing. He doesn’t have a lot of power or other tools, but the only tools he has is the ability to punch and get to the base. Grady has been a prolific hitter on Average and OBP over the last few years and players with those skills are always worth a look for the great price.
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