Though the MLB club’s record will not indicate such, the Braves’ rebuild is going as planned. The Braves are building a plethora of team-controlled talent as they prepare for the future. However, the rebuild does have one flaw so far: the lack of impact bats, especially in the higher ranks of the system. Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies aside (neither of whom are considered “power” bats by any means) the upper levels are pretty barren. Dustin Peterson is a nice prospect, but Braxton Davidson has struggled. The Braves need a college bat who can go through the farm system relatively fast. Bring in Kyle Lewis.
The fit is so ideal. Lewis is a local prospect. He attended Shiloh High School and played his college ball at Mercer University. Perhaps he can keep playing ball in the great state of Georgia.
This past season Kyle Lewis competed for the lead in home runs in the NCAA and is considered the best college bat heading into the draft. Numerous mock drafts have him being selected by the Braves 3rd. While John Coppolella said he will not draft for need, Lewis is exactly what the team seeks. He will likely make the move to right field and can be that corner power hitter the Braves so desperately seek.
What makes Lewis such a safe selection is that he is solid in every facet of the game. He is a plus hitter for average and would easily become one of the most powerful bats in the team’s system. He has the potential to be a serious power in the big leagues. Though he is likely to transition to a corner outfield spot, Lewis played center field in college and has the speed, arm and fielding ability to do so. He is your five tool prospect.
In 157 college games, Lewis logged 538 at bats, which is around the same sample size as a full MLB season. In this sample size, Lewis hit .364 with 39 home runs and 145 RBI. That’s a 1.113 OPS.
Many websites have Jason Heyward as his pro comparison. He is too good a prospect to turn down for the Braves if he is available third overall, and we all know the Braves love their local prospects. Lewis fills one of  the biggest needs for the Braves while still allowing them to take the best player on the board.