The Braves are currently 12-34, and fans are questioning what the next step is. They are currently in the process of a massive rebuild, and they should be nearing the end. They currently have just two players on the current roster that were with the team in 2014 (Freddie Freeman and Julio Teheran), and you would think that they are done making trades.

Step 1: Restock Through Draft

The Braves have the third overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft, and they have 5 of the top 80 picks (3,40,44,76,80). This draft will be huge for the Braves as they continue to restock the farm system. They may choose to go several different routes, but they need to make sure that they do not mess up this great opportunity. Regardless of who the Phillies and the Reds draft 1 and 2, the Braves should be able to snag a solid prospect. The Braves currently lack solid power hitters in the organization, and many think that they should go this route with the pick. Others think that they should go with the best player available, regardless of position. Personally, I believe that if they fall, they will either go with Georgia native and Mercer University outfielder Kyle Lewis or high school left hander Jason Groome. Lewis may be the power bat that the Braves need; he is currently hitting .408 with 19 home runs. Groome, on the other hand, has a very high ceiling, and may be a future MLB ace. Ideally the organization will sign this pick under slot to allow them more money to offer to later picks. Using this strategy, they may be able to convince a player like Blake Rutherford to refuse other teams and fall back to them at 40. The Braves should continue their recent success in the draft. With all of these picks, and the money available, the Braves could accelerate their rebuild.

Step 2: Go Crazy in International Signings

The international signing period begins on July 2, and the Braves are assumed to spend major money. With the current rules and the available money, the Braves can also add major talent through the international pool. The Braves are currently favorited to sign 6 of the top 30 international prospects (#1,17,18,21,23,27). The number 1 overall prospect, Kevin Maitan (SS/3B), is seen as a generational talent, and he has been compared to players like Miguel Cabrera and Chipper Jones. He would be a HUGE get for the Braves even though he is just 16 years old. There are still some players that are not linked to teams that the Braves may still make a run at. Along with Maitan and the others that they will sign, Atlanta should set themselves up for success in the future.

Step 3: Trade, Trade, Trade

Although the Braves should be done making major trades, maybe (more on that later) they have a lot of tradable pieces. Their roster is currently filled with young guys and aged veterans, not much in between. Most of these veterans are on one year deals, and should be traded while they can. Among these are players like Gordon Beckham, who is currently hitting .311/.414/.446 and he can play multiple positions. Beckham might be able to net a decent return; however, many of the other players will probably be for nothing more than a low ceiling prospect. Even though these trades may not be anything major, the Braves can add to their current minor league depth and maybe turn one of the prospects into a quality player. Nick Markakis currently has multiple years left on his deal (which is not cheap), but he seems to be the outcast of the youth movement for coming years. As he gets older, his performance will decline and they will not have much use for him. Many teams are currently in need of a solid outfielder like him, however, Atlanta is not going to the playoffs with or without him. If he increases his production, he could bring back a pretty good return, or at worst bring back some money for the Braves.

Step 4: Figure out what to do with Teheran

Julio Teheran has great potential but has been somewhat inconsistent throughout his career. Last year he had an ERA over 4, but this year his ERA is sitting at 2.57. If he keeps up his recent good work, teams will be calling the Braves like crazy for him. He is just 25 years old, and he is signed through 2020 on a team friendly deal. He could be the future ace for the Braves, and that is what most people see him being; however, after seeing the return for Shelby Miller, who knows what the return for Teheran would be. The upcoming free agent class for starting pitchers is very poor, and this could force teams to overpay for a solid starting pitcher. Some of the teams that have been mentioned to be good matches are the Red Sox and Astros. These teams have some very good prospects that could be huge gets for the Braves. In their minor league system, the Braves have somewhat of an embarrassment of riches with pitching. Although this may be true, none of these prospects are a sure thing. I believe that the Braves should keep Teheran unless they are blown away by an offer (which is very possible). Adding some more top prospects to this system could be huge, but it is tough to find pitchers with the caliber of Teheran.

Step 5: 2017 and 2018 Drafts

The Braves are setting themselves up to have the number one overall draft pick in next years draft (assuming the Twins figure things out). With the prospects that they will rack up this year, it is crazy to think that they could be potentially adding another major prospect next year in the draft. Next year the Braves should have more success, but still should have a decent pick in the following draft just to add to the crop.

Step 6: Win

With all of these prospects the Braves have and are looking to add, the Braves are going to be REALLY good for a long time. Fans just need to be patient and suffer through this rebuild, and wait for these young guys to come up and bring excitement.