The Braves managed one of the steals of the draft, sliding the highly-touted prep arm to them at 24th overall.
The Atlanta Braves made a strategic move in the 2024 MLB draft by selecting Cam Caminiti, who was regarded as the top prep arm available. Despite expectations of needing an over-slot bonus to secure him, Caminiti signed right at his slot value. This financial efficiency has left the Braves with approximately $1.2 million to allocate towards other draft picks.
Cam Caminiti, at just 17 years old after reclassifying, brings an impressive arsenal to the Braves’ farm system. His fastball already touches 97 mph, with potential for more velocity growth, and he boasts an advanced changeup for his age. While his breaking pitches—slider and curveball—have shown progress, they remain an area for development.
With the leftover budget, the Braves plan to prioritize signing Nick Montgomery, their 6th-round pick, who is expected to require a significant overslot bonus. They also aim to sway Cayman Goode (12th round) and Eric Hartman (20th round) away from their Division-I commitments with the remaining funds. This strategy not only secures top talent like Caminiti but also aims to strengthen their farm system depth with other promising prospects.
Overall, the Braves’ draft strategy in 2024 appears focused on maximizing the talent acquired within their budget constraints, setting them up well for future seasons with a blend of immediate impact and long-term potential from their draft picks.