July 14, 2025
Atlanta has selected Essenburg with the 157th overall pick in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft.
Analysis
A prep outfielder from Illinois, Essenburg had a strong commitment to Kentucky, but he'll likely turn pro now. Essenburg was a two-way player in high school and was a good prospect as a lefty pitcher, but he was announced as an outfielder and has a plus arm that could fit in right field. He has shown an ability to turn around velocity and could develop 20-homer power.