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Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – MARCH 05: Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson (79) delivers a pitch during the MLB Spring Training game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees on March 05, 2019 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by /Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – MARCH 05: Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson (79) delivers a pitch during the MLB Spring Training game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees on March 05, 2019 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by /Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Atlanta Braves: Ian Anderson, RHP, Shenendehow HS (NY)

In the eyes of plenty of scouts and industry insiders, the Braves may have reached a bit to take Ian Anderson with the third overall pick. He was viewed as a prospect who could go in the middle of the first round rather than the top five, but the Braves loved him and pulled the trigger. Atlanta wanted him desperately, and did not think he would be around by the time they made their second pick.

One quick look at the results of Anderson’s first four professional seasons would lend credence to the Braves’ hopes that he could one day help anchor their MLB rotation. Anderson features a plus fastball that he can run up to 96 and supplements it with a good curveball and changeup. The 21-year-old works well with all three of his pitches, though his command is still a work in progress.

Anderson has already reached Double-A and has a career ERA of 2.74 in over 300 innings in the minor leagues. He has also struck out 10.6 per nine for his career while yielding only eight home runs. His power fastball is heavy and generates plenty of groundballs.

The Braves can now take their time with Anderson and allow him to hone his command. He has already shown an ability to repeat his delivery and work an at-bat. His workload has been managed very well, and there is no reason he cannot be in the big leagues by the end of this year or the start of next season. The Braves really knocked this pick out of the park.

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