The Braves' strong finish to the 2016 season cost them a couple of spots in the 2017 Draft, including a shot at the No. 1 overall pick, but their early season struggles still left the club the No. 5 overall pick.
The Braves drafted 3rd last summer. Instead of signing one of the projected "top" prospects, they went with Ian Anderson with an under-slot deal at three and then used their financial savings to nab Joey Wentz and Kyle Muller at 40 and 44.
If you are interested in taking an early look at the projected top picks, check out Minor League Ball's top-50 list here. Then again at this time last year, there was not a soul on Earth who could've predicted the Braves would take Ian Anderson at No. 3. Injuries will happen, players will rise, players will fall, high school players will weigh the pros and cons of going to college and going pro.
The Braves will draft behind the Twins, Reds, Padres and Rays. Then will be the Athletics, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Brewers and Angels.