While a welcome change of pace from previous years where they only took the top pitcher on their board, the picks the Atlanta Braves made on Day One of the 2025 MLB Draft were a little strange. Atlanta went with prep shortstop Tate Southisene who may look like a reach, but was pretty clearly an attempt to sign a guy they like under slot. College shortstops Alex Lodise and Cody Miller both are interesting prospects in their own right, but also were not likely to command massive signing bonuses.
So what is Atlanta doing with all of these bonus pool savings?