Braves Taking Georgia RHP Cole Wilcox in First Round of MLB Draft Would Be Ideal Fit

With the sports world ground to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, there hasn't been much talk regarding the MLB Draft, which, as of this writing, is scheduled for July 30. This year's version will be like no other in that scouts didn't have the luxury to properly evaluate prospects.

Of course, spring college sports were cancelled last month. The pandemic has also forced the MLB's hand in shortening the length of the draft. However, these revisions, as seismic as they are, shouldn't impact the Atlanta Braves' plans in the first round.

Baseball America's latest mock draft has Atlanta selecting Georgia Bulldogs right-hander Cole Wilcox with the No. 25 overall pick, and the fit is perfect. The 6-5 sophomore was grooving before the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to the campaign. In four starts this year, he finished 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA. He added 32 strikeouts, while surrendering a .209 batting average.

The velocity on his fastball is MLB-ready in that it can reach 100 MPH, but consistently clocks out in the mid-90s. Wilcox's slider is already lethal and will only get better with time. His control needs work, but he made great strides in that department in 2020, walking just two batters in 23 innings.

Throw in the evident geographical fit (he's from Chickamauga, Ga.) and it's a perfect match. Atlanta would add yet another talented arm to their farm system and Wilcox would be playing for his home MLB club.