Atlanta Braves select RHP Carter Stewart from Eau Gallie HS with No. 8 pick

All of the recent rumors linking the Braves to Eau Gallie High School (FL) right handed pitcher Carter Stewart turned out to be correct, as the Atlanta Braves grabbed him with the eighth pick in the draft.

We will have more info on Stewart later, but for now...here is a look at what to expect from the young right-hander.

Who is He?

Carter Stewart is a 6’6”, 200 pound high school right handed pitcher from Melbourne, Florida’s Eau Gallie High School. The super projectable hurler is a Mississippi State commitment.

Where Does He Rank?

MLB.com - 5th

Baseball America - 9th

Keith Law - 2nd

Perfect Game - 6th

Talking Chop - 4th

Why Was He Taken Eighth?

Carter Stewart has shown a pair of double plus 70 grade pitches in his ridiculous curve and 98 MPH fastball, and there is still possibly more in the tank considering he has projection remaining on his 6’6” 200 pound frame. The change is behind the other two pitches at present, but can be another average pitch with work.

When you consider his stuff and that he throws strikes, it’s easy to imagine him being a future top of the rotation pitcher. In fact his upside is right there with Touki Toussaint for the highest upside in the entire system.

How Should We Feel About Him?

I love the pick, as I had him ranked 4th overall in the draft because of the combination of present stuff as well as future projection. Considering the Braves never had a chance at the guys I ranked ahead of Stewart in the Top 100, you can even say he was my #1 target for the Braves. You just can’t teach 98 MPH or the ability to spin a cartoon-like curveball.