What: MLB First-Year Player Draft
Who: High school players; college players from four-year colleges who have either completed their junior or senior years or are at least 21 years old; and junior college players, regardless of how many years of school they have completed.
When: June 5 (first two rounds), June 6 (rounds 3-10), June 7 (final 30 rounds)
TV: MLB Network
The MLB First-Year Player Draft is less than a month away and the Atlanta Braves always seem to make homegrown talent a priority. Though the Braves don’t draft until the 32nd pick, here are five Georgia players who they may be considering:
Michael Chavis, 3B, Sprayberry (Signed with Clemson): He's a top contender to be the first Georgia high school player taken in the draft. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder could play several different positions. "Chavis does almost everything plus on the field," wrote NineBaseball.Org. "He is a 6.7 runner in the 60 with a 90 mph arm from third base, but it is his bat that is his best tool. … To me, he is right there (as) the best high school hitter in this draft."
Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville (Georgia): The 6-2, 205-pounder is another candidate for the state's top pick. At one point, NineBaseball.org ranked him the nation's No. 1 high school prospect before backing him down to No. 4. "He runs a 6.4 in the 60, has a 100 mph arm from the outfield and has some elite bat speed," wrote the website. "He is a two-way prospect who hits in the low 90s on the mound as well, but his future is in the outfield."
Dylan Cease, RHP, Milton (Vanderbilt): According to the Bleacher Report mock draft, the 6-2 pitcher will be the first Georgia player off the board, drafted at No. 14 by San Francisco. "(Cease) is one of the top power pitchers in this year's class, with a heavy, sinking fastball that sits in the 92-95 mph range and tops out around 96-97 mph early in games," said the website. NineBaseball.org doesn't think Cease will make it past the Braves at No. 32: "The Braves love staying in state with their first pick and it might come down to Cease and outfielder Kel Johnson (of Atlanta) at this point."
Mac Marshall, LHP, Parkview (LSU): The 6-2, 180-pound Marshall has a lot of appeal because he's a tall left-hander with velocity. He initially committed to UGA before switching to LSU. Tigers coach Paul Mainieri told The Baton Rouge Advocate there's a 50-50 chance Marshall makes it to college. "He loves LSU and wants to come to LSU," Mainieri told the paper. "But what if the Atlanta Braves draft him with the 32nd pick and give the kid $2 million? You can't blame him for taking it." Marshall went the first 33 innings of his senior season without allowing an earned run.
Kel Johnson, OF, home-schooled, Palmetto (Georgia Tech): One of the most intriguing players in the draft for many reasons, including he's home-schooled. Said MinorLeagueBall.com. "Huge power from the home schooler. Unusual swing causes potential problems. Inconsistent in my viewings. Old for class but will still take time. Likely (to play left field) due to weak arm." Georgia Tech coach Danny Hall said of the 6-4 Johnson: "We project him as a mid-lineup hitter from his freshman year on."
