To this point, most Draft experts have the Atlanta Braves going one of two ways with the 25th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. The most likely option seems to be Atlanta settling on a possible underslot college pitcher with an eye on some higher upside talent late. Over the last few days though, some mock drafts are starting to pop up with the Braves going with a high school talent early.
Atlanta has previously been linked to high-school righty Jarred Kelley but ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel introduces a new name in his latest mock draft projecting Episcopal HS right-hander Tanner Witt to the Braves at No. 25.
Witt is signable on Day 1 and not really after that, but his Carter Stewart starter kit is drawing lots of interest in the back half of the first round. Bitsko is a threat to go here, Jarvis has gotten some love and TrackMan favorites Sabato and Beeter have also been mentioned.
As we talked about earlier today, signability is a concern with a first round high school pick due to the Braves having the third-lowest bonus pool in the draft.
Baseball America ranks Witt as the 92nd best prospect in the draft and lists him as a legitimate pro prospect as a hitter and a pitcher. However, they also mention that most teams like his upside on the mound more than his hitting potential. His fastball is currently in the 89-92 mph range but he could add velocity as he continues to fill out and add strength. His curve ball is his best pitch and has plus potential with massive spin hence McDaniel’s reference to Carter Stewart.