According to reports, the Atlanta Braves thought about using their first-round pick in the 2012 draft on Alex Wood, but they decided to go with Lucas Sims instead. Much to their (pleasant) surprise, Wood was still available in the second round at No. 88 overall. One year later, he's a member of their big league rotation as they storm toward a National League East title.
Wood, who signed for $700,000 out of the University of Georgia, was expected to move quickly through the minors, which meant finishing this, his first full pro season, in Double-A. Instead, the left-handed Wood began 2013 at that level and actually made his big league debut on May 30, less than a year after he turned pro. He spent the next six weeks in Atlanta's bullpen, making one spot start (against the New York Mets on June 26), before getting sent to Triple-A on July 13.