Braves Boost Draft Stock with Rookie of the Year Honor
Major League Baseball has revealed its competitive balance picks for the upcoming draft, and the Atlanta Braves are celebrating a significant boost in their draft stock. Thanks to Drake Baldwin’s impressive performance in earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award, the Braves have secured the 26th overall pick in this summer’s MLB Draft. This addition means that Atlanta will have two first-round selections this year, a rare opportunity that could reshape their future.
Draft Lottery Dynamics
In addition to their secured pick, the Braves are also participants in the draft lottery, which will determine the top six selections. With a 4.54% chance of landing the coveted first overall pick, Atlanta holds the sixth-best odds among teams vying for this opportunity. The anticipation will culminate on December 9, when the lottery takes place, offering fans insight into the team’s potential future.
This year marks a notable turnaround for the Braves, who have not had a top-10 pick since 2019, when they selected catcher Shea Langeliers at ninth overall. Their last few drafts have seen them pick at 20th overall in 2022 and 22nd overall most recently. Ironically, their higher pick during the 2022 draft came in a season when they clinched the World Series, illustrating the unpredictable nature of draft selections and team performance.
Competitive Balance Factors
The Braves’ improved draft position is further bolstered by the fact that several teams with worse records are ineligible for the lottery. For example, the Colorado Rockies, who struggled mightily this past season, will not be in contention for the top pick due to competitive balance considerations. Consequently, the Braves find themselves in a favorable spot as they prepare for the draft.
Following the first round, selections will be determined strictly by the reverse order of winning percentage. This ensures that the Braves will have the ninth pick in each round from the second through the 20th, offering them ample opportunities to enhance their roster.
Looking Ahead
The Braves finished the 2023 season with a 76-86 record, marking their worst performance since 2017 and resulting in their first missed postseason appearance in six years. Despite this setback, their farm system is considered one of the thinnest in baseball. However, the team has demonstrated a capacity to develop talent effectively, and with these additional picks, they are poised to strengthen their future.
As key players begin to age, the Braves find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Fortunately, their current draft situation allows them to maintain competitiveness in the present while simultaneously planning for the next generation. This dual approach could set the stage for a bright future in Atlanta, where winning now and later is the ultimate goal.
