Kiley McDaniel is one of the industry’s best when it comes to the MLB Draft and prospects. He recently released his final 2023 MLB mock draft, and he had the Braves landing Miami third baseman Yohandy Morales.
24. Atlanta Braves
Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami
I don’t think Davis (left fielder), Wilken (trending toward first baseman) or Bryce Eldridge (first baseman) fits the Braves profile — they need some defensive value in their high picks. Morales’ weakness this season was pitch selection, a more teachable skill than bat speed, raw power or feel for contact. George Lombard Jr. and Emerson also fit the Braves’ type.
The Braves farm system is barren, so they could use a bit of everything. Although, they seemed to place a preference on high school players during last year’s draft, which wasn’t the case in previous drafts, when they had an emphasis on collegiate players.
There’s a reason for that. The Braves have pretty much every position filled with All-Star caliber talent and locked up for a long time. There won’t be many starters stepping into the major-league lineup anytime soon, so it makes sense for them to replenish the lower levels of the minors with high upside talent.
On to Morales, he was one of the best college bats in the country this past season, playing third base for the Hurricanes. In a fantastic conference like the ACC, Morales managed to hit .408 with 20 homers and an 1.187 OPS. He has a solid frame at 6’4″, 225 pounds and moves well for his size. His power and arm are plus tools, but this does feel like a bit of a wonky fit for the Braves with Austin Riley set to man third base for the next decade.
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Photographer: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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