Braves 2022 MLB Mock Draft 3.0 (3 Rounds) – The Braves have had a lot of success in the MLB Draft in recent years, so I’m inclined to trust the judgment of Alex Anthopoulos and his scouts. However, I’m going to use their blueprint to make a few predictions, and that blueprint is clearly taking talented college players to help rapidly refill the farm system of a competing team. That strategy has paid off big time; in 2020, the Braves snagged talented players Jared Shuster, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and Jesse Franklin V. Atlanta once again went to the college well in 2021, with 17 of their 19 signed draft picks being from college. This is the penultimate edition for 2022, with the last Mock Draft coming later this week. Check out the other editions below:
The Braves have gained the 76th overall pick as recompense for losing Freddie Freeman in Free Agency. I’ll factor that in here.
Mock Draft – Atlanta Braves 2022
Round 1, Pick 20: LHP Cooper Hjerpe — Oregon State
- A lot of pundits think the Braves are going to take Alabama lefty Connor Prielipp, and I couldn’t complain about the selection at all. However, spoiler alert, I’m going to save that for later in the week so I can talk about Cooper Hjerpe. Hjerpe is a Golden Spikes Award Finalist and one of the most decorated pitchers for an Oregon State Program that has a rich baseball history. The National Pitcher of the Year posted a 2.53 ERA over 103.1 innings with an impressive 0.87 WHIP and 14 K/9 ratio. He has good command of his three pitches, featuring a changeup, curveball, and fastball. Hjerpe is a strike thrower that doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but very good command. He profiles as a solid mid-rotation lefty, similar to a guy like Tucker Davidson. He should be ready to contribute sooner rather than later, something the Braves need either as a trade chip or potential help as they look to replenish their farm system. If Prielipp isn’t available, I think Hjerpe is going to be the pick here.
Round 2, Pick 57: C Logan Tanner — Mississippi State
- I’m not keen on reaching for needs, but Tanner makes way too much sense at this point in the draft. The Braves’ farm system didn’t have very much in the catching department, even before William Contreras came up to the bigs and Shea Langeliers was traded. Tanner is another college player that comes from a great baseball school, and scouts rave about his cannon behind the plate. Tanner also crushed 15 home runs during Mississippi State’s 2021 College World Series run, which paced the team. He’s a very good defensive catcher with pop in his bat — this would be a good fit and good value for the Braves in Round Two.
Compensation Pick 76: OF Colby Thomas — Mercer
- This pick was featured in Mock 2.0 and may be featured again in 3.0, I just love the team-prospect fit way too much. The Gainesville Native finished 2022 slashing .325/.451/.734/1.184 with 14 doubles and 17 home runs. Thomas only struck out 32 times all season. He’s a true five-tool player with a strong arm and good speed — the Braves have had success developing outfielders, and I think Thomas could be the next great one in line for Atlanta if they can get him at 76.
Round 3, Pick 96: SS Tanner Schobel — Virginia Tech
- I’m honestly shocked to see Schobel ranked this low by MLB and Baseball America, but he’s an easy pick for the Braves here if he’s available. Another high-quality college bat, Schobel slashed .362/.445/.689/1.134 for a very impressive Virginia Tech squad. On top of his 19 home runs, Schobel crushed 18 doubles. He’s a very toolsy player that profiles as a super-utility type of guy that can play multiple positions and give you quality at bats. If you’re the Braves, the fact that Schobel can provide this within a few years has to be appealing, especially with a third-round pick.
Photographer:Â Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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