The Braves have shown a liking to local products, and continued this trend Monday night by selecting two players from Braves Country. After selecting Kyle Wright, who hails from Hunstville, Alabama, the team plucked a prospect straight out of Cobb Country in Drew Waters.
Waters is out of Etowah High School in Woodstock, and is currently committed to the University of Georgia. He just helped Etowah capture a state title. He won the Gatorade state player of the year award for the state of Georgia. In just 87 at bats, Waters hit .494 with 13 homers and 35 RBI. He also picked up 29 walks and 14 steals. These are all insane numbers for Waters, who posted a 1.750 OPS overall. Wow.
Waters comes from a family of athletes, as his father played offensive line for Georgia Tech. He is a switch hitting outfielder who profiles as a leadoff hitter, but with more pop. Scouts feel that his great speed and defense could allow him to stick in centerfield at the next level. He hits for more power from the left side of the plate but hits for better contract from the right side.
This selection adds another potential five-tool outfielder to go alongside Ronald Acuna in years to come. The Braves’ draft class looks very impressive thus far, and they definitely nailed it on day one of the MLB Draft.