re: The ATL Thread 7/6: Braves don’t sign 1st rounder; will pick 9th in 2019 draft

"A club must offer a drafted player at least 40% of the slot value in order to be eligible to receive a compensation draft pick if the player does not sign. EXCEPTION: A club is not required to offer a drafted player at least 40% of the slot value in order to be eligible to receive a compensation draft pick if the player does not sign if the drafted player is one of the Top 50 pitchers designated by the MLB Commissioner's office prior to the draft and the pitcher declined to submit an MRI."

This is the rule and why the Braves offered what they allegedly did (40% of slot value or ~$2 million). Stewart likely didn't submit any MRI's pre draft and once the Braves saw his medicals they were clearly concerned (especially considering his curveball is the reason he's drafted so high) to the point they'd rather have the 9th pick next year than pay him slot value.