Cobb Reporter

The Braves utilized Day 2 of the 2024 Draft to continue their pitcher-heavy strategy initiated on Day 1. Out of ten selections through ten rounds, nine were pitchers, including both picks from Day 1: first-rounder Cam Caminiti and second-rounder Carter Holton. Seven out of eight picks on Day 2 were also pitchers.

"That's just how it unfolded," said Braves scouting director Ronit Shah. "Obviously pitcher-heavy. But I think at the end of the day, we're sticking with the process, looking at players we think might have some untapped potential, some untapped upside, and hopefully get the right guys into the system and let player development work their magic from here."

Atlanta's focus on pitchers was highlighted by third-round college right-hander Luke Sinnard (ranked No. 185 by MLB Pipeline), taken 99th overall, and sixth-round high school right-hander Ethan Bagwell (ranked No. 231), selected 191st overall. The Braves' sole non-pitcher pick was fifth-round high school catcher Nick Montgomery, MLB Pipeline's No. 196 prospect.

Sinnard is notable for his height at 6-foot-8 and weight at 250 pounds. He set Indiana University's single-season strikeout record with 114 K's in 2023, surpassing Vernon "Whitey" Wilshere's record from 1934.

"[He's] massive, and very high release -- it's very unique, I think, just how his stuff's gonna play," Shah commented. "We're excited to get him on board here soon."

Sinnard recently underwent Tommy John surgery after injuring his elbow during an NCAA Regionals start and missing all of the 2024 season. However, he has returned to form as evidenced by his performance in the MLB Draft Combine.

"Luke was really strong last year at Indiana when he was healthy," Shah noted. "And then this year, just getting to watch him throw a bullpen or two, including at the Combine... he's back now."

Bagwell is another sizable right-hander at 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds. The Missouri commit impressed scouts with a fastball clocking between 96-97 mph and a low-80s sweeping slider.

"Just a big, massive horse," Shah said about Bagwell. "We're really excited to see what he does once he's playing baseball full time."

The Braves' diverse pitching selections included five right-handers and four left-handers; two high schoolers and seven college pitchers; ranging in height from fourth-rounder Herick Hernandez (5-foot-10) to Sinnard (6-foot-8).

Nick Montgomery stood out among position players picked on Day 2. The Cypress High School catcher displayed significant raw power during major summer circuit events and hit home runs in last year's High School Home Run Derby during MLB All-Star Week in Seattle.

"We've seen him a ton," Shah stated about Montgomery. "He was really good with the bat... What sticks out with him is just the power."

If Montgomery continues behind the plate as expected by Shah, he may one day catch pitches from Caminiti, Holton, Sinnard, and Bagwell in Atlanta.

The Draft will conclude with Rounds 11-20 on Tuesday starting at 2 p.m ET. The Braves' first pick of Day 3 will be No. 341 overall in the eleventh round; their final pick will be No.611 overall in Round twenty.