The Atlanta Braves might be shaking things up in this year’s MLB Draft—and not in a way most fans expected. In the latest mock draft from MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo, the Braves are projected to select North Carolina catcher Luke Stevenson with the 22nd overall pick. That’s right—a catcher, despite already having Sean Murphy locked in and top prospect Drake Baldwin in the wings.
But Stevenson isn’t just any catcher. He’s a left-handed slugger with serious pop and one of the most well-rounded backstops in college baseball. Coming off a strong season with the Tar Heels, Stevenson hit .251 with 19 homers, 58 RBIs, and a whopping 59 walks. His swing screams power from left-center to the right-field pole—and scouts believe he has 25-homer potential at the big-league level. Sure, he’s had some trouble with breaking balls, but the tools and potential are undeniable.
Defensively, Stevenson brings even more to the table. He’s earned high marks for his strong arm (graded 60) and solid fielding (graded 55), with sharp pop times and improved receiving behind the plate. While the Braves may seem “set” at catcher for now, drafting a talent like Stevenson is about planning for the long haul—and making sure you don’t pass on a star just because of today’s depth chart.
Still, many expected the Braves to go after a shortstop—the shallowest position in their farm system. Names like Marek Houston and Wehiwa Aloy are still in the mix, and there’s always the chance they stick to their usual strategy of scooping up high-upside pitchers. Mayo also listed options like Kruz Schoolcraft, JB Middleton, and Zach Root. But if Stevenson’s name is called on draft night, one thing’s for sure: the Braves are betting on talent, not just fit.
