The Braves have the No. 3 pick in June’s amateur draft. General manager John Coppolella has already had discussions with potential candidates.
Coppolella said, after taking four high school players last season, he’d prefer to land a hitter with college experience, because the team is so pitcher-heavy after an offseason of trades.
“That being said, you go with the best player, if there’s really good talent there,” Coppolella said.
Coppolella said that he and director of scouting Brian Bridges met with a handful of candidates in late December and early January. Louisville outfielder Corey Ray, Florida outfielder Buddy Reed, Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel and Mercer outfielder Kyle Lewis are the highest-rated, non-pitcher college prospects, according to Baseball America.
“Look, it’s the highest pick we’ve had in 25 years,” Coppolella said. “It’s a huge pick for us, and we’ve got to get it right.”
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