Atlanta Braves search for hidden talent in the draft – Day 3

Kadon Morton OF(CF) R/R; 6-2, 195; BA State Rk 44 TX  @the1kadonmorton

Round 19 – overall pick 577; Seguin HS (TX)

Perfect Game calls Morton a “broad-shouldered athletic” player with room to grow into his body, but aren’t high on his swing. In the field, they call him an athletic defender and praise his arm strength. That makes sense as, like many high school stars, he also pitches.

PG says he throws from 3/4 arm slot with a low 90-92 mph heater that’s been confirmed by BA. The fastball lacks movement, but BA opines he has the potential for a plus fastball. His curve comes from a different slot making it easier to pick up, but he spins it well creating a sharp break. BA says “he has an intelligent approach on the mound” and is “more promising as a pitcher.”

Both evaluations agree he has power potential as this video shows. The Atlanta Braves selected him as a CF, so they’ll give him a chance to prove he hit.  He can always return to pitching if the bat doesn’t come around.

The Braves probably talked to him and believe he’ll sign. I’d advise him to stick with his plan of attending Oklahoma  and see if can move up in the draft after his junior year.

Peyton Williams RHRP R/R; 6-1, 180; NR. @peyton_w2

Round 20 – overall pick 607; Catawba College (NC)

Williams is a native of Briscoe, NC and attended East Montgomery High School. Pitched as a starter all four seasons there and earned All-Conference player of the year three times and league player of the year twice. Williams pitched for American Legion Post 45 during the American Legion World Series Championship season and gained a spot on the all-tournament team.

Groomed as reliever/closer from day one, Williams close for Pfeiffer in the 2017-2018 season and Catawba this year. Williams earned his tenth save in the Catawba’s  South Atlantic Conference title game and his 11th save of the season as Catawba eliminated Young Harris on May 18 (don’t tell Nick Markakis).