Atlanta Braves 2024 MLB Draft Report Card

Best Pure Hitter: The Braves had another pitching-heavy draft in 2024 and took just one bat in the first 10 rounds. However, outfielder Patrick Clohisy (11) made plenty of contact and showed a solid approach with Saint Louis, though some swing-and-miss tendencies creeped in during his pro debut between Low-A Augusta and High-A Rome.

Best Power Hitter: Catcher Nicholas Montgomery (5) has tons of strength in his imposing frame, with above-average raw power right now and a chance for more as he continues to grow and develop. His power is such that he might be able to profile at a non-catching position in the future if he needs to move down the defensive spectrum.

Fastest Runner: Outfielder Dalton McIntyre (19) is close to an 80-grade runner and will frequently turn in top-of-the-scale times on jailbroken swings to first base. Despite that speed, he stole just 10 bags in 60 games with Southern Mississippi last spring, though he was more aggressive in previous years with Meridian (Miss.) JC.

Best Defensive Player: McIntyre’s speed alone should give him a chance to be an above-average defender in center field and he’s got a strong arm to go with his running ability.

Best Fastball: Lefthander Cam Caminiti (1) was one of just two high school players who earned a 70-grade fastball projection on our draft board, and he joined Hagen Smith as the second of only two lefthanders with that grade. He pairs upper-90s velocity with natural life that consistently allows him to dominate the strike zone. The Braves are currently helping him unlock more vertical ride to improve the pitch even more.

Best Secondary Pitch: Our pre-draft fringy grades on lefthander Herick Hernandez’s (4) secondary stuff are already looking light. He was one of the more impressive debut pitchers from this class thanks to a mid-80s gyro slider that generated an impressive 28.3% swinging strike rate. It looked like a potential plus offering in pro ball.

Best Pro Debut: In addition to Hernandez (4), both righthanders Owen Hackman (9) and Jacob Shafer (17) had electric debuts. The Braves don’t hesitate to have their pitchers log innings and both Hackman and Shafer were the only debut arms to log 20 innings or more. Hackman posted a 1.31 ERA in three starts and 20.2 innings with Low-A Augusta while Shafer posted a 1.35 ERA over five starts and 20 innings with the same club. 

Best Athlete: Caminiti (1) was consistently regarded as one of the more impressive athletes in the 2024 class. He was named the best pitching athlete by scouting directors on our preseason best tools voting, and he is also a two-way player who likely had the talent and lefthanded raw power to play both ways if he went to college instead of pro ball. His athleticism allows him to remain controlled and poised on the mound and could help him develop above-average control. 

Most Intriguing Background: In addition to his obvious arm talent and relative youth, Caminti boasts big league bloodlines as the nephew of three-time all-star and 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti.

Closest To The Majors: While scouts also expected Caminiti to be a relatively fast-moving prospect for a high school pitcher, the early returns and health of Hernandez (4) make him the best pick for this category. It was only a single three-inning start but he did see an appearance with High-A Rome in his pro debut.

Best Day Three Pick (Or NDFA): The Braves signed prep outfielder Eric Hartman (20) for $337,500 with their final pick of the draft in the 20th round, but the early returns from Shafer (17) in pro ball make him the most intriguing day three name for Atlanta.