The Atlanta Braves stunned on July 14, 2025, drafting three shortstops, including Tate Southisene, signaling a new era post-Max Fried. Why the big shift?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the big league club was wrapping up a tough series loss to the Cardinals, the real fireworks for the Atlanta Braves on Monday were happening behind the scenes. In a dramatic shift in draft strategy, the front office went all-in on infield talent, selecting shortstops with their first three picks of the 2025 MLB Draft, starting with dynamic Las Vegas prep star Tate Southisene at 22nd overall.
He has the tools to play just about anywhere on the field, because he’s got an above-average arm...he’s a plus runner.
The Braves made a clear statement on Day 1 of the draft: they need position players. After years of focusing on pitching, Atlanta selected three consecutive shortstops, starting with Tate Southisene from Basic High School. The Las Vegas native is an offensive machine, having hit .495 with nine homers in his senior year. Scouting director Ronit Shah raved about his versatility, noting his plus speed and arm strength give him the ability to play all over the diamond. This aggressive approach signals a commitment to restocking a farm system that has been thin on high-ceiling hitters.
The draft also brought a bittersweet sense of closure to a beloved era. With their compensatory pick received after Max Fried departed for the Yankees in free agency, the Braves selected second baseman Dixon Williams from East Carolina. Williams is a well-rounded offensive player whose bat the Braves are betting on. The pick officially finalizes Fried's departure, a tough pill to swallow for fans watching him perform well in pinstripes, but it also injects new talent acquired directly as a result of his success in Atlanta.
The focus on new talent is underscored by the current struggles of some top prospects. Recent call-up Didier Fuentes has found it tough going in the majors, posting a 9.00 ERA through his first three starts as he works to develop his breaking pitches. Meanwhile, pitcher Drue Hackenberg just began a rehab assignment after a rough start to his season in Double-A (7.03 ERA), and promising shortstop Nacho Alvarez is unfortunately back on the injured list with an oblique strain just 12 games after returning.
The focus on the future provided a distraction from a tough weekend finale. On Sunday, the Braves fell 5-4 to the St. Louis Cardinals, dropping the series. Atlanta battled, scoring in the 3rd, 5th, and 7th innings, but a two-run 6th inning for the Cardinals proved to be the difference. Jesse Chavez took the loss, while Ryan Helsley locked down his 19th save for St. Louis. It was a tight contest where the Braves simply couldn't get the decisive hit they needed.
With the 2025 draft now in full swing and the farm system in a state of flux, the Braves' focus is clearly on building the next wave of talent. While present-day results, like Sunday's frustrating loss, sting, the organization's moves this week are a clear investment in a future they hope is loaded with versatile, athletic position players. Now, fans will watch to see if these bets on the future pay off and if the current crop of prospects can overcome their recent hurdles.
