Atlanta Braves: there will still be a draft in 2 weeks

There’s an interesting synergy in a couple of Atlanta Braves mock drafts.

Both BaseballAmerica.com and MLB.com have mock drafts that point to the Atlanta Braves selecting the same college pitcher with their first pick on June 10.

That pick is University of Miami right-hander Chris McMahon, who was named as a 2nd team All-American by Collegiate Baseball for his performance during the aborted 2020 season.

That’s not the only award McMahon has earned during his college tenure:  in 2019 he garnered awards as an All ACC Academic, plus made USA Baseball’s national college team.

In his 4 starts this season, the 6’2″/217 McMahon struck out 38 batters in just under 26 innings with a 1.05 ERA.  This included a 1 run game in 6 innings – with 9 K’s – against the second-ranked Florida Gators.

This would be a solid pick for the Braves:  BaseballAmerica credits him with 4 different pitches projected at ‘above-average or better’.

Though playing in Miami, he’s actually from West Chester, Pennsylvania – about 25 miles west of Philadelphia.  No word on his prior MLB loyalties, though the 15th-picking Phillies might have to make a slight reach if they want to bring him back ‘home’.

As a Junior, McMahon wouldn’t be a certain signee, but a decent bonus – even if deferred – might do it for him, given that senior status in 2021 and an uncertain outlook over the next year should weigh in the Braves’ favor… or toward whoever might choose to actually draft him.

One of the prior mock picks tied to the Braves – Georgia’s Cole Wilcox – is being projected all over the place now:  BA has him at #28 to the Yankees; MLB.com at #20 to the Brewers.  That should give a hint that guessing this portion of the first round is something akin to spreading out 52 cards and guessing one before turning it over.

Regardless:  the idea that Atlanta might take a college arm is gaining consistent play in these mocks.  We’re 2 weeks away – at least that schedule seems certain this Spring.