Braves County has to be disappointed to hear that the team could not come to terms with pitcher Carter Stewart. However, the two sides came to a stalemate regarding a wrist issue on Stewart’s medicals. One of two things happened here: Stewart’s wrist is a serious concern, or they bluffed too hard with using this as leverage with Stewart in hopes of signing him below slot value. This would have allowed them to sign 34th round pick Zach Hess as well. Now the team will sign neither. Stewart will sign with Mississippi State and Hess will return to LSU.
The Braves will be compensated by the MLB for not being able to sign Stewart. They will receive the 9th pick in next year’s draft as a result. However, Stewart was seen as a steal at 8, and there is a good chance they will not get a player they love as much as Stewart. Regardless, it is great that the MLB has measures to protect the teams. The Braves had not had this issue for 23 years.
The silver lining in all of this (I guess) is that their second pick Greyson Jenista, who ironically was signed below slot, has been absolutely balling in his pro debut. Unless the Braves get some steal next year at 9 though, this could be a tough one to swallow for a long time for Braves fans. Only time will tell.