Atlanta Braves: Who should they pick third overall?
The Atlanta Braves have the third overall selection in next month’s MLB draft. Who they are looking to select and what players will be available?
The Atlanta Braves can go in many different ways when it comes to this years MLB draft. With Freddie Freeman as the franchise player, they will be looking to add one to their roster.
They have the option of selecting a pitcher who can turn out to be the ace they have been looking for or selecting a bat that can help them drive in runs at the Major League level in a year or two. One thing is certain, the Braves will be getting a talented player who can make an impact and help them return to prominence in the National League and in the Majors. Let’s highlight three potential selections and who the Braves have their eye on.
A.J. Puk – Left Handed Pitcher – Florida
Puk has been labeled by many as one of the top pitching prospects in the draft this year. He is a left-handed pitcher that has an above average fastball. He also obtains a great breaking ball which he uses to strike batters out at a high level. He currently has a 3.49 ERA. He will be able to lower that ERA as the season goes along.
He also has 34 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched. That stat highlights how good he can be when he uses his breaking ball and fastball effectively. If Puk can develop and add one more pitch to his arsenal, he can be the ace the Braves have been looking for.
Kyle Lewis – Outfielder – Mercer
This would be a nice selection seeing that Lewis plays just south of Atlanta in Macon. Lewis started off this season on fire, hitting at a .447 clip. He has cooled off a little but continues to hit at a high level. The Atlanta Braves will be looking at Lewis and trying to determine how he projects as an outfielder.
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He could play either corner outfield spot, but many scouts project him to right field. He currently is hitting at a .457 clip and has 11 home runs.
Picking Kyle Lewis would be a benefit to the Atlanta Braves. It would give them a badly needed power bat for the future and helping them put more balls in the seats at the new SunTrust Park.
Blake Rutherford – Outfielder – Chaminade College Prep HS (CA)
If the Atlanta Braves were to select Rutherford, they would be getting the top bat in the draft. Rutherford has the chance to be special and he has the ability to be a five-tool player in the majors. He has the ability to hit the ball to all fields and has above average ability on defense. He also shows exceptional speed on the base paths.
Rutherford is talented enough to play all three outfield positions, but most like him in right field. Rutherford finished the 2015 season with .435 batting average. Over this year, he has kept those numbers the same while adding to his defensive ability. He will be one to watch for when the Atlanta Braves are on the board with the third pick.
Next: Braves Acquire Catcher Anthony Recker
The Atlanta Braves will have plenty of options when it comes to the third pick. They can go in many different ways and help solidify different positions on their roster for the future. When the Braves are up to bat, there will be a quality player waiting for them to select and make that player a corner piece to the organization for the future.