The modern MLB Draft as we know it didn't truly take shape until 1987, when the league consolidated multiple drafts—including January, June, and secondary selections—into the single format used today. As we approach the 40th draft under this system, it's the perfect time to reflect on the Atlanta Braves' most memorable selections, both the triumphs and the missteps.

For this list, we're only considering players who actually signed with the team. That's why you won't see Anthony Rendon among the best picks or Carter Stewart among the worst—neither ever put pen to paper for Atlanta. While the Braves' greatest hits come from all over the draft board, their biggest misses tend to cluster in the early rounds, where expectations are highest.

1. Chipper Jones, SS, 1990 (1st overall)
It's rare for a No. 1 overall pick to exceed expectations, but Chipper Jones was anything but ordinary. A Hall of Famer and the face of the Braves' dynasty, he delivered an MVP award, a batting title, a World Series ring, and a career slash line of .303/.401/.529 with 468 home runs—all while spending his entire career in Atlanta.

2. Freddie Freeman, 1B, 2007 (2nd round)
It's easy to forget that Freeman wasn't even the Braves' top pick in 2007—that honor belonged to Jason Heyward. But the second-rounder has carved out a future Hall of Fame résumé: .299/.385/.509 with 370 homers, an MVP, a Gold Glove, and three World Series rings, including World Series MVP honors. Though he now wears Dodger blue, Freeman's role in leading Atlanta from a rebuild to a 2021 championship will never be forgotten.

3. Brian McCann, C, 2002 (2nd round)
Selected in the second round, McCann took over behind the plate in 2005 and held the job through 2013 before signing with the Yankees. He returned to Atlanta for his final season, capping a career that included seven All-Star appearances and a reputation as one of the game's most clutch postseason hitters.