A.J. Graffanino, whom the Braves selected in the eighth round of the 2018 MLB draft, assured scouting director Brian Bridges that he’d made a wise call.
Graffanino, a middle infielder from Washington, is a defense extraordinaire and the son of long-time major leaguer Tony Graffanino. The elder played for the Braves from 1996-98.
“Bloodlines, left-handed bat, middle infielder, 6-foot-3, has some projection,” Braves scouting director Brian Bridges said. “You really want to go after those guys with some upside. Plus, he’s young for the class. We’re real excited. A.J.’s excited.”
Tony had over a decade-long career playing for seven teams. A.J. grew up in baseball, developing relationships with those around the game at a young age. He considers Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy a mentor, according to The Seattle Times.
Graffanino was limited to 21 games this season due to a hamstring injury. He played second base upon his return, something he didn’t find preferable.
The draftee mentioned in his conversation with Bridges that he’d like to move back to shortstop. He didn’t need to ask; the Braves wanted him there. His defensive value is best maximized at that spot.
Graffanino’s offense is a work in progress. He arrived at Washington as a switch-hitter, but now hits exclusively from the left side. He hit .250 across 54 games in 2016, then raised that to .269 in the same number of games a year ago.
In the smaller sample size of 2018, he hit .329. Graffanino had 22 extra-base hits in three seasons, none of which were home runs. He stole seven bases in 13 attempts.
Veteran crosschecker Tom Davis recommended the team take a shot on Graffanino. The 20-year-old proclaimed it a worthy decision during his first conversation with Bridges.
“You won’t regret taking me,” he told the scouting director.
And he’ll have an immediate opportunity to prove it in the lower levels of the Braves system, where the shortstop position isn’t deep.
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