The Braves pulled off one of the draft’s biggest coups, selecting the highly regarded prep pitcher 24th overall.
The Atlanta Braves selected Cam Caminiti in the first round, and despite widespread belief that he would accept an over-slot signing bonus, Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reports that he is coming in right at slot value, freeing up funds for the Braves to pursue some major prep talent in later rounds.
1st-rder Cam Caminiti signs w/@Braves for $3,556,300 (full slot 24 value). Arizona HS LHP, consensus best prep pitcher in @MLBDraft, 17-year-old with plus fastball & changeup, improving slider. @LSUbaseball commit. pic.twitter.com/byjnL8x3QH
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 19, 2024
Caminiti is the Braves’ hidden gem in this draft, the top prep arm in the 2024 MLB draft who no one expected to be available in Atlanta at the age of 24. The Braves swooped in to sign the LSU commit, and while it was undoubtedly an expensive move, it is a relative bargain given his skill. Caminiti is only 17 years old and reclassified from the 2025 class to begin his professional career early, establishing himself as one of Atlanta’s best prospects right away. Caminiti’s fastball has already reached 97 mph, with many believing he can add more velocity, and his changeup is advanced for a guy his age.
Caminiti’s major worry has been his feel for spin, and while his slider and curveball improved this season, the Braves’ good pitching development will continue to be a work in progress.
More information may be found on our signing tracker here, but the Braves still have over $1.2 million to spend. A substantial portion of money is expected to go toward signing 6th-round pick Nick Montgomery, who will fetch a significant overslot bonus, with the remaining likely used to try to free up 12th-round pick Cayman Goode and 20th-round pick Eric Hartman from Division-I commitments.