The 2025 MLB Draft is only two weeks away and the Atlanta Braves will have a tough choice to make. There are a lot of very talented prospects available this year and it will be interesting to see which route the Braves take.
Typically, the Braves like to take pitching in the first round and they haven’t picked a position player with their first pick since 2019. That could change this year as the draft makes its way to Atlanta during the All-Star break festivities. There are some talented position player prospects and the team also has a need for a long-term shortstop.
Will they surprise everyone and take a college bat or will they continue to draft pitchers for the first pick? That will be the question everyone asks ahead of the draft. Let’s check out all of the prospects listed as targets for the Braves in mock drafts by the major publications out there.
Here is every prospect that has been linked to the Atlanta Braves ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft
Gage Wood, RHP, Arkansas
Wood is well-known for his tenacity during the College World Series and an impressive no-hitter where he struck out 19 batters. That quickly improved his draft stock and he could fall to the Braves as the focus is going to be on the plethora of talented bats. Wood has been linked to Atlanta a few times and provides a high-velocity fastball with a lot of carry on it. However, they’ll want to make sure his medicals are good before making a decision on him.
Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest
Houston is one of the premier college shortstops in this year’s draft and had an impressive season at Wake Forest. He batted .354 over 61 games with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 26 strikeouts, 46 walks, and 66 RBI. Houston added some more power this season with an improved approach, but he is well-regarded for his impressive fielding and range. He is very similar to Dansby Swanson but the Braves would have to hope 21 teams pass on him first (which is highly unlikely).
Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (GA)
Another shortstop, but this time from the high school side of things. Pierce is a standout at Mill Creek High School in Gwinnett County. Rumors have him going as high as the top 10 but he could also land in the 20s. He lacks power but that is something that could improve and scouts believe he has enough ability to be an everyday shortstop.
Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Bremner had a decent season with a 3.49 ERA with 19 walks and 111 strikeouts in 77.1 innings. His fastball averages 95 mph and tops out at 98 mph with great ride in the zone. He does need to prove his durability as he’s only been a full-time starter for one season at UC Santa Barbara.
Riley Quick, RHP, Alabama
Quick’s stock has risen a bit after a good season at the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-6 starter had a 3.92 ERA over 62 innings with 24 walks and 70 strikeouts. He has a fastball that has averaged 96.5 mph and he couples that with a plus slider. The hope is that he can hone in on his command and become a frontline starter.
Josh Hammond, SS/RHP, Wesleyan Christian Academy, High Point, N.C.
Hammond is a two-way player and one that the Braves are considered high on. He has been recruited by Wake Forest and has garnered some comparisons to Austin Riley, who was a similar two-way player Atlanta could have taken as a pitcher. He isn’t expected to play shortstop at the next level but grades well as a third baseman.
Joseph “JoJo” Parker, SS, Purvis (Miss.) HS
Another high school shortstop, Parker is getting a lot of attention. JoJo and his twin brother Jacob have been getting a lot of attention. Scouts think he has the potential to hit 20-25 homers per season. His lefty bat will definitely be sought after and he grades decently at shortstop with good arm strength. The Braves have a lack of infield depth and having an athletic shortstop with offensive potential is extremely important.
Patrick Forbes, RHP, Louisville
Forbes is another great college arm and fits the mold of what the Braves like to draft in the first round. He has a lot of carry on his fastball which sits between 94-96 mph and topped out at 100 mph. His slider is a plus pitch and compliments the fastball fairly well. He needs to work on throwing strikes but that’s common with most young pitchers.
