MLB Draft 2014: Garrett Fulencheck selected by Atlanta Braves in second round

Update: Fulencheck signed

Almost immediately after being signed, RHP Garrett Fulencheck has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Braves, signing above the slot for $1 million dollars and eight semesters of tuition at Dallas Baptist University.

It’s great to hear that the two sides have reached an agreement even if the team had to go above slot to sign him. The bonus pool that is alloted to the 66th overall pick is $860,000. The maximum amount the Braves could have signed Fulencheck for without facing a draft pick penalty was $1,087,885.

We don’t have any information on other signings at this point, but it’s clear now that the team is going to need some money-saving senior signs, like 1B Matt Tellor who was taken in the 10th round with the 313th overall selection.

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The Atlanta Braves began the first night of the 2014 MLB Draft by selecting high school outfielder Braxton Davidson with their first selection at the 32nd overall pick, but the night was far from over. With their second selection, the Braves elected to go back to the high school ranks in picking up right-hander Garrett Fulenchek from Howe High School.

Fulenchek entered the night as the 78th overall player for ESPN’s Keith Law and the 54th overall player for Baseball America, and here is a brief scouting report on the 6-foot-4 pitcher via ESPN:

"The best pitch in Fulenchek’s arsenal is his sinking fastball, a pitch that ranges 90-94 mph with lots of downward plane and should induce plenty of ground balls. He complements that pitch with a hard, above-average slider that acts almost like a cutter with late bite, though he can struggle to throw the pitch for strikes. When Fulenchek does throw his change it’s a quality offering that he has good feel for, but it can be “too true” (straight) and there is noticeable arm speed difference."

The consensus on Garrett Fulencheck is that his biggest challenge will be improving command, but that is not unusual for a high school arm, and the Braves will have plenty of time to mold him. The big right-hander was a late riser on draft boards, and perhaps Atlanta has unearthed a diamond in the rough for their future.