James graduated from high school in Sacramento, California, with minimal big college interest and went to Sacramento City College, where the Braves drafted him from in the 30th round in 2014. He didn’t sign then and found his way to California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, which is where the Braves snared him from in the 34th round of this past June’s draft.
James started out his pro career in the Danville outfield, playing left field only, and hitting .298/.379/.364 with 6 extra base hits and 6 stolen bases along with a 13/19 BB/K ratio over 141 plate appearances.