MLB Pipeline names their favorite draft pick for the Braves

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I think the Braves had a pretty solid draft, and I definitely see their vision. We won’t really know how this class is overall for a few years, but the Braves moved away from their usual strategy of going after college talent in the early rounds. I understand why, they have a bit of a logjam, and they need to develop some guys in the lower levels of the minors. MLB Pipeline is a big fan of one of their overslot signings — second round pick Cole Phillips

Personally, I agree with Pipeline in their assessment of Phillips. When you’re a team lacking in top end talent — you have to take some risks on guys like this.

The Texas native had an up arrow next to his name this spring until he underwent Tommy John surgery in April. Before that, he was regularly touching the upper-90s with a running fastball, allowing scouts to put a plus-plus grade on his fastball. A low-80s breaking ball with good depth gave him another above-average pitch, and he was showing good strike-throwing ability for his size at 6-foot-3. The surgery may have scared off teams picking above No. 57, but Phillips’ stuff could be a big get for Atlanta in the second round.

 

Another signing that could be in the conversation is Oregon righty Adam Maier. This is a guy who could have went back to school and been a first round pick next year, but the Braves saved a lot of cash and gave him a huge bonus to come to Atlanta:

Either way, the Braves were very aggressive in refilling a farm system that is undoubtedly at the bottom of the league.

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