FanPost

Best Draft Fits for the Braves at No. 3 Overall




The Atlanta Braves have gotten off to the terrible start that most people around the league would have expected. But the silver lining to having poor major league play is obtaining draft capital and, in the case of the Braves, the ability to add to an already loaded farm system. On the fast track for the no. 1 pick in 2017, the Braves already possess the no. 3 pick in 2016. We are now a little less than a month out from the 2016 MLB First Year Player Draft and the questions are really starting to arise on who the Braves will target with the 3rd overall pick. Here I will lay out what I believe to be the best fits for the Braves at no. 3, in order of the best fits.

1. OF Kyle Lewis, Mercer

The Braves' farm system is as rich as any system in baseball, and is particularly stock full of good, young arms. At no. 3, the Braves could be in position to have their pick of any position player in the draft. Lewis would bring to Atlanta's system something that is sorely needed, a legitimate power bat. His bat profiles very well in right field, and that is a position that will best suit his skill set. This will also give the Braves a nice young outfield trio of Lewis, Mallex Smith, and Ender Inciarte. Lewis' bat could also move him through the minors very quickly, and I believe that he could be a middle-of-the-order force in right field for the Braves as soon as Opening Day 2018.

2. OF Corey Ray, Louisville

Ray stands right alongside Lewis as the two best position players in the 2016 Draft. But, the Louisville product appears to have more of a full toolbox than Lewis. Ray has the ability to stick in center field and play very well there defensively, while also being able to utilize his great speed. He projects as a very good contact hitter with 15 HR/year power. Ray has the versatility though to play any outfield position, as he plays a lot of right field at Louisville. While I believe Lewis' power bat to be the best fit for the Braves, Ray's five-tool potential puts him not far behind and would be a great pick for Atlanta if Lewis goes off the board at no. 2 to Cincinnati.

3. LHP Jason Groome, Barnegat HS (NJ)

Groome is widely considered the no. 1 prospect in the entire 2016 Draft. He is a big lefty with a power arm and dominant secondary stuff with his curveball. Groome is also developing a very nice changeup to incorporate as a solid 3rd pitch. The concerns about Groome though, are related to his mental makeup. He has faced eligibility issues after leaving IMG Academy in Florida after one season to move back home to New Jersey for his senior season. If the top two teams pass on Groome in favor of other players, then it will be tough to pass on the best prospect in the draft. Even if the Braves are rich in the young pitching department, you can never have too many talented arms.

Other possibilities: RHP Riley Pint, St. Thomas Aquinas HS (KS); OF Mickey Moniak, La Costa Canyon HS (CA); OF Blake Rutherford, Chaminade Prep (CA); SS Delvin Perez, International Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico)

Let me know what you think of the fits of these players and who you would like to see the Braves take a no. 3 overall!

This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Battery Power.