As the early rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft unfolded, it was abundantly clear that the Atlanta Braves were wanting to save some draft bonus pool money for something. That is not to say that the Braves didn't get real talent in the form of Tate Southisene or Alex Lodise, but most agreed that it wouldn't require full slot to sign either of the shortstops.
The Braves strategy became clear when they picked Briggs McKenzie in the fourth round and Conor Essenburg in the fifth round as both players were high school players with tough college commitments that were going to need to get real money to forgo heading to campus.