The Atlanta Braves have delivered a much-needed enhance of optimism throughout a rocky 2025 season, headlined by the signings of prime MLB Draft picks Tate Southisene and Alex Lodise. The duo represents a daring funding in the way forward for the Braves farm system, signaling the membership’s dedication to restocking its pipeline with high-upside, impression expertise.
The primary main transfer got here with Southisene’s signing. Chosen twenty second general within the 2025 MLB Draft, the athletic shortstop out of Primary Excessive College in Nevada signed for $2.62 million—properly under his $3.98 million slot worth. That financial savings allowed Atlanta to reinvest elsewhere of their draft class, together with an over-slot deal for fifth-rounder Conor Essenburg.
MLB.com’s Jim Callis confirmed the phrases of the Essenburg signing on X, previously often known as Twitter.
“Fifth-rder Conor Essenburg indicators w/@Braves for $1,197,500 (slot 157 = $438,600). Illinois prep OF/LHP, Braves introduced as hitter, HR off 99-mph Jack Bauer fastball in April, stands out w/bat pace & energy potential. A couple of golf equipment most popular him on mound. Kentucky recruit. @MLBDraft”
The Braves’ MLB Draft technique this 12 months has drawn reward throughout the league, because the entrance workplace leaned closely into athleticism, versatility, and long-term upside. Between Southisene, Lodise, and Essenburg, Atlanta has constructed a draft class that displays each scouting precision and monetary flexibility. With the staff struggling by a subpar 2025 marketing campaign, these signings supply extra than simply roster depth — they signify a renewed deal with creating homegrown expertise that would assist form the franchise’s subsequent aggressive core.
MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo reported that the staff had agreed to phrases with the highschool standout from Illinois.
“The @Braves have signed first-round @MLBDraft choose Tate Southisene for $2,622,500 (choose 22 worth = $3.98 mil). Youthful bro of Cubs prospect Ty, Tate has likelihood to have extra impression at plate, plus runner who can play SS.”
At simply 18-years previous, Southisene is thought for his elite pace (60-grade), quick-twitch athleticism, and powerful baseball IQ. His summer season showcase performances and assured demeanor have earned early reward from scouts and fantasy analysts alike.
In the meantime, the Lodise signing introduced certainly one of school baseball’s most embellished gamers into the Braves’ system. Lodise, drafted No. 57 general, inked a $1.297 million deal. The Florida State standout hit .394 with 17 residence runs and 68 RBIs in 2025, profitable the Dick Howser Trophy because the nation’s prime school participant and sweeping ACC Participant and Defensive Participant of the Yr honors.
Mayo moreover took to the platform, noting the Braves had agreed to a cope with the FSU product too.
“2nd-rd @MLBDraft choose Alex Lodise has signed w/@Braves for $1,297,500 (choose 60 worth=$1.52 mil). @FSUBaseball SS had big 12 months (.394/.462/.705 w/17 HR) & was Golden Spikes Award finalist. Likelihood to stay at quick.”
Lodise, who is predicted to debut in Excessive-A Rome, brings immediate credibility to Atlanta’s farm system and will rise shortly by the ranks as a result of his age, expertise, and all-around instruments. Collectively, these early signings mark a shift within the Braves’ draft id — prioritizing polished bats and defensive upside with the potential to impression the big-league roster inside a number of years.
In a season clouded by accidents and inconsistency, the additions of Southisene, Lodise, and Essenburg supply a refreshing glimpse of what’s forward. For a Braves staff desperate to re-establish itself as a perennial contender, the 2025 MLB Draft might show to be the inspiration of the Braves’ subsequent nice core.