Atlanta Braves 2023 MLB Draft Report Card

Fastest Runner: Outfielder Isaiah Drake (5) is a true burner, with top-of-the-scale running ability that should allow him to be both a menace on the base paths and a solid defender in center field. He’s immediately one of the best runners in Atlanta’s system and despite being a bit raw in all phases still, he went 9-for-11 (82%) in stolen-base attempts in his pro debut in the Florida Complex League. 

Best Defensive Player: On first glance of Ceballos (3), you might be inclined to think he is an offensive-over-defense position player. However, he developed quite a strong reputation for his defensive work at the hot corner this spring. He was named to the 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Team after committing just four errors in 121 chances on the season, and he has tremendous arm strength that should be an asset if he sticks there moving forward. Given Drake’s (5) speed and athleticism, it would not be surprising if he was the player that owns this category in a few years. 

Best Fastball: The Braves have taken pitchers with their first pick in four consecutive drafts, and in 2023 that meant they got righthander Hurston Waldrep (1) to slip to the 24th overall pick. Waldrep has elite stuff across the board, but his fastball was the hardest of all Atlanta’s 2023 draftees in pro ball, averaging 95.9 mph and touching 97. He’s been up to 99 mph in the past. Righthander Cade Kuehler (2c) has similar mid/upper 90s velocity, but his induced vertical break has always stood out as an elite trait for his fastball. 

Best Secondary Pitch: Waldrep’s (1) changeup is probably his best pitch at the moment. The upper-80s split-change was one of the best such pitches in the 2023 draft class and has devastating tumbling life and is extremely difficult to barrel up if he’s able to locate it consistently. Waldrep’s firm slider could also fit for this category and is another potential plus pitch for him. 

Best Pro Debut: Waldrep (1) is the easy answer for this category. The Braves aren’t at all scared of pushing prospects aggressively, and after throwing 101.2 innings with Florida this spring, Atlanta had him throw 29.1 innings in his pro debut—more than any other 2023 draftee—and pushed him from Low-A all the way to Triple-A Gwinnett, meaning he could make his big league debut as soon as next year. No. 2 in innings by a debut pitcher? That would be righthander Lucas Braun (6), who posted a 2.67 ERA in 27 innings and showed impressive feel to locate a complete four-pitch mix.

Best Athlete: Drake (5) was one of the most exciting athletes in the 2023 class overall, and is the easy selection for this category for Atlanta. His speed is obvious, but he also has twitchy hands in the box and sneaky pop in batting practice that could lead to a fun power/speed combination. 

Most Intriguing Background: Righthander Drue Hackenberg (2) has plenty of athletes in his family. All three of his brothers played college sports and each were drafted in their respective sport, meaning the Hackenberg family has gone 4-for-4 with pro athletes—a remarkable feat. 

Closest To The Majors: Waldrep (1) is already knocking on the door of the big leagues and given his pure stuff, it would not have been shocking to see him promoted for the postseason in 2023 given the state of Atlanta’s pitching health at the time. Waldrep could probably use a bit more seasoning as a starter where he can focus on refining his command and delivery, though if the Braves want or need him to pitch out of the bullpen, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be ready for that role early in 2024.

Best Day Three Pick (Or NDFA): Lefthander Mitch Farris (14) signed for $125,000 on day three and pitched well in 16.2 innings in the Florida Complex League and Carolina League. He posted a 2.16 ERA with 21 strikeouts and six walks, while showing great feel for an upper-80s fastball that has above-average carry, and got some whiffs with an upper-70s changeup.