Kyle Wright Embraces The Challenges Ahead

The Braves expect to be better this season than they were in 2017, when they lost 90 games. The organization believes even bigger and better things await beyond 2018.

The primary reason for optimism centers on Atlanta’s pitching depth. The Braves added to that depth in the 2017 draft, when Vanderbilt’s Kyle Wright, the top college righthander in the class, fell to them at No. 5 overall. They doled out a franchise-record $7 million bonus, about $2 million above slot.

As a junior, Wright recorded a 3.40 ERA in 16 starts while striking out 121 and walking 31 in 103.1 innings. He worked 17 innings in his pro debut, reaching the high Class A Florida State League.

Despite his limited pro experience, the 22-year-old Huntsville, Ala., native understands the challenge that awaits.

“There are adjustments you have to make in pro ball, especially the five-day rotation,” Wright said. “As you move up, the hitters get more disciplined. You have to make certain pitches at the right time. You have to know when to be cautious and know where and when you can attack hitters.”

Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin raved about Wright’s attention to detail and his knowledge of how to pitch with a plan. His repertoire is equally impressive. His fastball sits at 93-94 mph and has touched 99. He also throws an above-average curveball and a hard slider. He has emphasized his changeup this winter after rarely throwing it in college.

Wright also knows expectations come with the territory. After attending a week-long pitching camp in Atlanta in November, Wright has spent the offseason—as well as the past three years—in Nashville talking about his craft with such high-profile Commodores as David Price and Mike Minor. Add in everything he has learned since turning pro and the task ahead has become crystal clear.

“I realize it’s the same game I’ve been playing since I was a kid,” Wright said. “As for the (expectations), you have to embrace it and realize how cool it is to be considered that type of player. At the same time, there are a lot of really good players in the Braves system, and that pushes you and helps make you a better player.”