Atlanta Braves 2019 Draft Dynasty Recap: Rounds 1-5

June 16, 2019 Jake Berry Braves, General, MiLB, MLB Draft 2

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With the dust surrounding the 2019 MLB Draft settled and Rookie ball just getting started, what better time to take a look at the Atlanta Braves and their draft class? Sure, we prospect fiends may be a little distracted by the College World Series, but this is Dynasty Fantasy Baseball and we have first year player drafts to prep for. After all, there is no off-season in dynasty!

I’m hesitant to use the world “value” when writing a piece like this. It usually just leads to folks clicking through for a number without assessing a player’s skill set and making their own decision on a player’s potential contributions to their fantasy team. For that reason I did not label this as a way to “value” new additions to the Braves organization, but simply a recap and a way to help you weed out the true fantasy talent.


1.9 Shea Langeliers, C, Baylor

A classic case of better real life prospect than fantasy prospect, Langliers was the top defensive catcher in the draft. The Baylor product was making national headlines as we neared selection day thanks to an NCAA baseball tournament record 11 RBI game. With that being said, Langliers may hold his own at the plate to the tune of a .230-.245 average in the bigs, but the fact remains the same that he will add more value behind the dish than at it. Depending on how you value catchers, I’d say Langliers is a mid second round pick at best in FYPD.

1.21 Braden Shewmake, SS, Texas A&M

An interesting offensive profile here. The recently signed Shewmake stands 6’4, but doesn’t posses the power that usually comes with a tall frame as there is still some filling out to do. Still, we are talking about a proven college bat in the SEC so I’m not terribly concerned about the contact tool. While he has the SS beside his name, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t put in the outfield down the road.

2.60 Beau Philip, SS, Oregon State

The third straight college position player taken by the Braves, the second shortstop in a row, and teammate of first overall pick Adley Rutschman in Corvallis, Philip missed some time this season due to a hamstring injury. When healthy, the California native is known for his base stealing ability and while he does have a quality contact bat, the speed will be the key to his fantasy game. It should contribute in steals and the occasional opportunity to take the extra base. The defense is solid and he is more likely to stay at short than Shewmake.

3.98 Michael Harris, LHP, Stockbridge HS (GA)

Although it doesn’t seem like the Braves M.O., Harris has the skills to try things out as a two-way player. The hometown kid has a powerful switch hit swing, but it seems like he was drafted as a pitcher more than anything else. On the mound, the lefty lives in the low 90’s with a big breaker and already has shown feel for a decent changeup. The early ability to grasp a three pitch mix for an athletic 18 year old lefty gives some serious upside. And hey, if it doesn’t work out on the mound, you got a potential power hitting OF here.

4.127 Kasey Kalich, RHP, Texas A&M

The third Texas draftee in the first five picks and the second from A&M by the Braves may be the quickest riser to the bigs outside of Langeliers. Kalich is exclusively a reliever with a low to mid 90’s heater that is complimented by a hard biting slider. Kalich’s stuff plays up out of the pen in short outings and he may prove to be a high leverage reliever.

5.157 Stephen Paolini, OF, St Josephs School (CT)

In the spirit of being transparent, I had not heard of this young man prior to the draft. When I went to do some research, I discovered I was not the only one. The reports seem promising for a cold weather high schooler as many believe he is a great athlete with a projectable frame that possesses both speed and raw power.

Jake Berry

I reside in Carrollton, Georgia and love everything baseball. I graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management. I have a passion for the minor leagues and have high hopes of visiting as many minor league parks as I can. I enjoy the statistical side of the game, especially sabermetrics. I am also an avid baseball card collector and fantasy baseball player.

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  1. Atlanta Braves 2019 Draft Dynasty Recap: Rounds 1-5 – Prospects1500 | Atlanta Braves
  2. Atlanta Braves 2019 Draft Dynasty Recap: Rounds 1-5 – Prospects1500 | BaseballNews.info

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