AJ

Gracia

Gracia receives just a shade under $3.98 million, which is considerably less than the original slot value, roughly $6.68 million for the ninth-overall pick, with Atlanta using that savings to sign third-rounder Jensen Hirschkorn to an above-slot deal. The 21-year-old projects as a corner outfielder with an above-average hit tool and over-the-fence pop after a strong collegiate career split between Virginia and Duke.

Despite falling to the 83rd pick in the draft, Hirschkorn, a right-hander out of a California high school, gets mid-first round money from the Braves. It’s actually the same bonus the Braves’ first pick at ninth overall, AJ Gracia, is getting, which is obviously intentional. Gracia signed for nearly $3 million under slot, and Hirschkorn is getting $3 million over slot.

Gracia transferred to Virginia from Duke, and he hit .354 with a 1.121 OPS in his only season with the Cavaliers. He’s a left-handed hitter who recognizes pitches well, and he has the frame to hit for power and an approach that suggests he’s going to get on base. There’s a chance he could stick in center, but he’s more likely to end up in a corner-outfield spot. Gracia’s approach could make him a quick advance, and the ceiling suggests a .280 hitter who could provide 25-plus homers in his best seasons with a couple of handful of stolen bases. You can do worse.