The 2015 MLB Draft is just days away and there is still not a crystal clear picture of who might be available when the Atlanta Braves pick in the first round. Baseball America released the final version of its 2015 mock draft on Friday and projects pitcher Ashe Russell to the Braves at No. 14.
Atlanta has been tied to multiple players such as Stephenson, though our sources indicate the Braves won't take a prep catcher with their first pick. Expect a run on Georgia players for Atlanta starting either in round two or round three, but the Braves aren't limited to the Peach State early. Instead, they have been tied recently to prep arms, such as Indianapolis' Ashe Russell, whose fastball has bowling ball sink. If Atlanta really wants to shake things up, they could go with 2014 No. 1 overall pick Brady Aiken. With their number of picks and $10 million plus in pool money, plus decision-makers such as Chad MacDonald and Roy Clark who love prep arms, they are as likely a landing spot for Aiken as anyone.
Russell is a high upside target with a live fastball and a good slider. He has a bit of a funky delivery that gives some scouts pause but is thought of as one of the better pitching prospects in the draft.
The mention of the Braves as a possible landing spot for Aiken is interesting. The 2014 No. 1 pick is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery. Some expect Atlanta to take a high risk/high reward strategy in the first few rounds and Aiken would certainly fit that description.