2016 Draft Report Card: Atlanta Braves

BEST PURE HITTER: C Brett Cumberland (2) had less-than-stellar numbers in his pro debut, but he was the Pac 12 Conference player of the year as a draft-eligible sophomore, thanks largely to his .344 batting average. 1B Ramon Osuna (13) was a prolific junior college hitter and batted .276/.342/.423 in his professional debut for Rookie-level Danville.

BEST POWER: Cumberland shows plus raw power in batting practice, and can drive the ball out to the opposite field.

FASTEST RUNNER: 2B Matt Gonzalez (6) was a solid senior sign and gets to first base with above-average to plus run times.

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: SS Marcus Mooney (10) was an inexpensive signing, but has smooth hands and long, rangey actions at shortstop.

BEST FASTBALL: RHP Ian Anderson pitches at 92-95 and can touch as high as 97 with the ability to command the pitch. RHP Devan Watts (17) and LHP Corbin Clouse (27) can each reach 95, and Clouse shows intriguing fastball life. Wilson’s fastball has touched 96.

BEST SECONDARY PITCH: Anderson’s late-breaking curveball and changeup both earn plus grades from some scouts. LHP Joey Wentz (1s) also earns plus grades for his curveball.

BEST PRO DEBUT: The Braves’ prep pitchers shoved in their debuts. Anderson allowed two runs or fewer in all but one of his outings. Clouse earned a quick promotion to low Class A Rome; he struck out 53 batters in just 30.1 innings out of the bullpen. Wilson and Muller were unhittable in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Wentz’s velocity dipped a bit, but he earned a promotion to Danville. RHP Jeremy Walker (5) saw a jump in stuff and command.

BEST ATHLETE: LHP Kyle Muller (1s) was a prolific two-way player in high school, showing plus raw power and above-average speed in addition to his prowess on the mound. RHP Bryse Wilson (4) was a standout prep football player.

MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Watts is a converted position player, while Wentz originally was more highly regarded as a power-hitting first baseman before a strong start to the spring season. The Braves signed three sons of former major leaguers: RHP Cameron Stanton (30) is the son of ex-Braves and Yankees lefty Mike Stanton; 2B Nick Shumpert (28) is the son of Terry Shumpert; OF Jared James (34) is the son of Dion James, another ex-Brave.

CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: LHP Drew Harrington (3) has excellent command and could move quickly, either as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter or solid lefthanded middle reliever.

BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Clouse’s excellent fastball and breaking ball made him the Braves’ top late-round steal. Watts also has arm strength and a potentially above-average slider. Watts could shoot through the system with a strong fastball-slider repertoire and success at low Class A under his belt. RHP Matt Rowland (11) has upside with his fastball and slider.

THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: RHP Cameron Jabara (31) has a projectable build and a promising arsenal of offspeed pitches, but he chose to instead attend Oregon.