3 shortstops the Atlanta Braves should target in the 2024 MLB Draft

If there’s one infield position in particular that the Atlanta Braves should target above all others in the 2024 MLB Draft in July, shortstop might just be your answer.

Even though the organization has notable prospects like Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Jose Perdomo, among others, the Braves could still target that position in July to add more infield depth to the farm system. That could happen in the early rounds of the draft or in the middle.

If they do as well, here are three names they should consider in the upper rounds, starting with a high school name from the state of Alabama.

Carter Johnson (Oxford, AL)

We start in the high school ranks with Johnson, who is likely to come off the board at some point in the second half of the first round or early in the second. Coming out of Oxford High School in Alabama, Johnson committed to the state’s Crimson Tide and athletic tools who graded between average and above average in all areas, highlighted by an ability to hit the ball. both for contact and power.

Kyle DeBarge (Louisiana-Lafayette)

The 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year hit .356/.418/.699 with 21 homers, 72 RBIs and 10 stolen bases last season at Louisiana-Lafayette. Kyle DeBarge is an intriguing name to watch in college. A player with a good hit, a good run and a good arm, DeBarge posted a career .959 OPS over his three seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette and should be a shortstop to watch from the second to third rounds.

DeBarge finished second in the Sun Belt Conference in several categories, including hitting percentage (.699), OPS (1.117), home runs (21), hits (91) and at-bats (256). His 21 home runs set a new single-season home run record in school history.

His surprising pop and quality defense would be a perfect move for the Atlanta Braves if he becomes available.

Colby Shelton (Florida)

We conclude with another player from the college ranks, Colby Shelton, a shortstop from Florida who began his college career in 2023 at Alabama as a third baseman. After posting a 1.149 OPS with 25 homers and 51 RBIs at Alabama as a freshman, Shelton had a bit of a disappointing year in 2024 hitting .254 on the season.

However, Shelton still had two impressive collegiate seasons in the SEC, hitting .275/.394/.630 with 45 home runs, 107 RBIs and six stolen bases. He’s a nice left-handed bat that could bring some upside to the shortstop position in Atlanta’s minor league system.

A position loaded with talent in the 2024 MLB Draft, here are a few others the Atlanta Braves could target in July at shortstop: Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia), Rustan Rigdon (Metter, Ga.) and Payton Green (Georgia Tech). Could any of these names end up in the Braves organization soon?

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