The Atlanta Braves enter 2017 with reasons to be hopeful about the future of the franchise. A rebuilding process has taken place over the past two years, replenishing the minor league system and infusing the pipeline with scores of talented players. However, that took a toll on the big league club. After suffering through a pair of 95-plus loss seasons, the Braves seemed to turn the corner collectively in the second half of 2016. As they move into SunTrust Park and begin writing a new chapter in the franchise’s rich history, Atlanta is hoping that strong finish was a sign of things to come. This five-part preview series will focus on a different aspect of the club over the five weeks leading up to spring training. Braves pitchers and catchers report to Disney on February 14 and the first full squad work-out is February 18.

• Part 1: The Infield (Updated 2/12/17)
• Part 2: The Outfield
• Part 3: The Catchers
• Part 4: The Rotation
• Part 5: The Bullpen
• Braves Top 30 Prospects

 

 

 

Matt Kemp |LF | Age: 32 | Contract Status: 3-years, $54 million

The acquisition of Matt Kemp was many things. For starters, it was unexpected. The former All-Star center fielder of the Dodgers did not enjoy the same success following a trade to San Diego two years ago, and perhaps that led to a rejuvenated Kemp joining Atlanta. He took to The Players’ Tribune to pen an open letter to Braves fans in which he pledged to turn over a new leaf and make the most of his opportunity to play for the team he grew up watching. The early returns were encouraging. Kemp batted .280/.336/.519 with 12 homers and 39 RBI as Atlanta went 31-25 in his 56 games played. He seemed to fit right in with his new teammates and was an important piece of a larger turnaround for the offense, which ranked fifth in MLB with 4.8 runs per game in the second half after ranking dead last in baseball with 3.4 RPG before the break. Kemp provided a stabilizing force in the clean-up spot and much-needed protection for Freddie Freeman. That middle of the order duo appeared to bond rather quickly, which was another encouraging sign. The deal with San Diego also allowed Atlanta to divest itself of Hector Olivera, the Cuban star who was arrested in April and handed the longest suspension to date under the league’s domestic violence policy. It was a change of scenery trade for Kemp, who settled into his new home, but the Padres immediately designated Olivera for assignment once his 82 game suspension was served. In essence, Atlanta was able to redirect the funds earmarked for Olivera and turn that money into an actual left fielder. It helped that the Padres just so happened to be looking for any taker for Kemp at the time.

What can be expected of Kemp as he enters the first of three full seasons in a Braves uniform? That’s an excellent question. One thing that came up almost immediately upon his arrival was the state of his physical conditioning. It was clear he was playing at his heaviest in 2016, something GM John Coppolella said would need to be addressed over the course of the winter. Billed at 210 lbs, Kemp was easily 25-plus pounds above that weight. That aside, it’s clear that Kemp’s bat still provides some value, though he is no sabermetric darling. Defensively speaking, he has been at or near the bottom when it comes to the advanced stats. Kemp’s days as a center fielder are behind him, but improving in left field would go a long way toward stabilizing his overall value to the team. At the end of the day, he was acquired to improve the offense. That is something Kemp should be able to do annually. After coming to Atlanta, Kemp’s walk-rate improved and he posted a 126 OPS+, his best since departing L.A. Kemp’s conditioning will draw immediate attention this spring. If he comes to camp in better shape, as he pledged in the open letter, then he could be primed for a successful run with the Braves.

 

Ender Inciarte | CF | Age: 26 | Contract Status: 5-years, $30.5 million

The Braves got a firsthand look at Ender Inciarte in 2016 and it’s safe to say they like what they saw. Inciarte won his first career gold glove while serving as a catalyst atop the order in Atlanta’s resurgent second half. Slowed by a hamstring injury over the first few weeks of the season, Inciarte scuffled at the plate and shuffled between center and left field as well. Following the dismissal of manager Fredi Gonzalez in late-May, new skipper Brian Snitker installed Inciarte in center field. That move resulted in countless amazing plays and all-around excellence. There’s no doubt the injury and the time it cost Inciarte contributed to his slow start at the plate, but the way he finished the season was encouraging to say the least.

Now let’s talk about defense. Inciarte was a human highlight reel during his first season with Atlanta. With seemingly no ball hit out of his reach and a strong and accurate arm, Inciarte is fast building a reputation as a run-deterrent with opposing base runners. He led National League center fielders with 12 assists, among his 14 overall (two more as a left fielder). Those 14 assists ranked second only to Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte among the NL outfielders. According to FanGraphs, he ranked among the top three among all NL outfielders with 15 defensive runs saved (3rd), a 13.4 ultimate zone rating (2nd), a 16.0 UZR/150 (3rd) and led the league with an 8.6 ARM (outfield arm runs, which is the amount of runs above average an outfielder saves with their arm by preventing runners from advancing). While advanced metrics certainly smile on Inciarte, he also had a flair for the dramatic which helped him pass the eye test with flying colors. Inciarte’s incredible leaping catch in New York to deny Yoenis Cespedes of a game-winning home run on September 21 was one of the highlights of the 2016 season.

“I thought that ball was gone off the bat,” Inciarte told reporters afterwards, “but it was the last play of the game, so I was going to try for it. This is probably the best catch I’ve ever made. I was really pumped up. I caught the ball and I knew I had it, but the fans were waiting until I took it out of the glove.”

While that grab against the Mets may well be the crown jewel of Inciarte’s highlight reel last season, his heads-up decoy play on May 10 against the Phillies was another fine example of next-level instincts. Inciarte’s acting was so good that it not only fooled Carlos Ruiz on the basepaths, but also his fellow outfielders Jeff Francoeur and Nick Markakis. Inciarte circled under a shallow pop-fly in right center, motioned as though he’d lost it in the lights, then recovered immediately to catch the ball and double the veteran Ruiz off first base with a great throw. It’s something you don’t see everyday. Check it out.

Inciarte has fast established himself as one of the best outfielders in baseball over three years in the big leagues. He spent the first two patrolling all three spots for the Arizona Diamondbacks and bounced between center and left last year before ultimately settling in as Atlanta’s center fielder in late May. A hard-worker who takes pride in his defense and base-running ability, Inciarte is just the kind of player the Braves want when it comes to building a contender. That’s a move that could pay off for years to come. After signing a five-year extension with a sixth year option, Inciarte is officially a big part of this team’s future.

 

Nick Markakis | RF | Age: 33 | Contract Status: 2-years, $22 million

It has been an interesting couple of years for Nick Markakis, who seemed to be somewhat back to normal in 2016. Soon after signing with Atlanta two offseasons ago, neck surgery cost Markakis much of that winter and sent him into the regular season with little-to-no time to prepare himself. Thrown into the mix with about a week’s worth of at-bats in the spring, he ended up posting a fairly productive season in 2015. The notable exception was the home run column. After hitting just three homers in his first year with the Braves, Markakis hit .269/.346/.397 with a much more acceptable 13 long balls in 2016. He also collected 89 RBI, his most since 2009, and was another man who benefited from the acquisition of Kemp. That move allowed Markakis to slide into the No. 5 spot in the order, where he batted .278/.349/.415 with 43 RBI in 73 games on the year. That gives him a regular spot in the order after bouncing around in each of the top five slots. Markakis posted a .397 SLG last season, his highest mark since 2012 thanks to his 51 extra-base hits which were his most since 2010. There was one notable deficiency in Markakis’ offensive contributions last season, however, as he became more susceptible to left-handed pitchers than at any point in his 11-year career. A dozen of his 13 home runs came off rights, against whom he posted an .800 OPS in 418 at-bats. That’s a start contrast from just one homer and a .613 OPS in 181 AB against lefties. If that trend continues or the struggles become more pronounced, he could be given the occasional day off against tougher southpaws.

Some have wondered why the Braves handed Markakis a four-year, $44 million deal soon after trading away Jason Heyward. Atlanta continued to dismantle its team over the past two years. Given the direction that was taken, it does seem a curious move at face value. However, the Braves have maintained from Day 1 that Markakis not only fills the role of right fielder, but also contributes to the overall team dynamic. A quiet leader who has the respect of the clubhouse, Markakis comes to the park ready to go to battle every day. He is a solid right fielder with an average arm, who makes the routine plays. Flashy really isn’t his modus operandi. While the term “grinder” elicits eye-rolls in certain circles, Markakis takes pride in being in the lineup every day. The bottom line for any player evaluation is and should always be production first, and he was able to make a solid contribution to the club’s improvement during the second half last season. It’s not out of the realm of possibility to expect that to continue in 2017.

 

Dustin Peterson | LF | Age: 22 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

Perhaps no hitter in Atlanta’s minor league system did more to improve his stock than Mississippi outfielder Dustin Peterson. Awarded Organizational Player of the Year in 2016, Peterson took a big step forward in his development last season. In fact, he seemed to put it all together. The Braves acquired Peterson as part of the Justin Upton trade with San Diego in December of 2014. Originally a third baseman, Atlanta immediately moved Peterson to left field, a position he has found much more agreeable. After showing modest success despite being injured in the team bus crash with Carolina in 2015, Peterson really excelled in the Southern League last season. Batting .282/.343/.431 with 12 home runs and 38 doubles in 132 games, he led all Atlanta farmhands with 88 RBI and was second in both extra-base hits (52) and total bases (226) while setting career-highs across the board offensively.

One thing that may not be immediately evident when looking at Peterson’s career is that he has been one of the younger players in his league each season. He tallied just 18 plate appearances against pitchers younger than him in 2016, while playing his age 21 season at Double-A. Enjoying a little continuity as he settles into his regular defensive position, Peterson has been able to focus on making strides at the plate. He does not profile as a classic power hitter, but Peterson is quick to the ball and can barrel pitches with regularity. That should provide regular extra-base hit ability as he climbs the ranks. Still prone to the occasional swing and miss (100 strikeouts last season), Peterson has improved his pitch recognition annually. While his good play last season may have culminated in a September call-up some years, Atlanta’s outfield became rather crowded with the addition of Matt Kemp and remains locked down heading into 2017. Peterson will get a chance to test his wares against Triple-A pitching in 2017. (Read more about the Braves Top 30 Prospects for 2017)

Other options: With Sean Rodriguez on board, the Braves have added a player who can literally fit anywhere. He has played 163 games in the outfield, mostly in left. That could mean he’ll shift around in the late innings as a defensive replacement, but he’s also a top shelf option should injury sideline one of the starting outfielders… Jace Peterson spent some time last year getting acquainted with the outfield as well. He was one of the revolving door of left fielders, getting 11 starts out there before Kemp arrived in August. It’s highly likely that Peterson will take to the outfield some in the spring as the Braves attempt to explore his versatility more in 2017… As I mentioned in the infield preview, Chase d’Arnaud was in the right place and the right time last year. His ability to play some center field might come in handy, though he’ll have to provide a little bit more consistent production (.299/.364/.393 over his first 35 games and .190/.271/.276 in final 49 games) to warrant a spot on the roster… Emilio Bonifacio has had a couple of stints in Atlanta, returning last season to see limited time with the big club. A career .258 hitter with 166 steals in 793 games for 8 teams over the 10 seasons, the 31-year-old will likely begin 2017 in Gwinnett, where he batted .298 with 37 steals in 107 games last year … Micah Johnson was acquired from the Dodgers in mid-January to add another speedy, versatile option in the upper minors. Johnson, 26, was the White Sox opening day second baseman in 2015, but failed to produce and was dealt to Los Angeles in the Todd Frazier trade last winter. He’s batted .226 in just 43 big league games, but is a .292 hitter with 179 steals in 505 minor league games. The Dodgers started moving him around the diamond last year, with starts at 2B, 3B, CF and LF. Johnson is young enough that he could work his way into Atlanta’s plans if he remains productive.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

The Atlanta Braves have been in the market for a new spring training home for a couple of years. It appears they my have finally found a match. Sarasota County announced on Tuesday that exclusive negotiations are ongoing between the county and the team, with the Braves targeting a 2019 move-in date according to club Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk. The new complex is pending a final agreement.

The prospective site is located in the City of North Port, which is along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and would be part of the West Villages development project. The complex would be built off West Villages Parkway and U.S. 41, near the State College of Florida. The city will also play a role in the negotiations and eventual construction should the project be approved. The Braves have been in talks with Sarasota County since March of last year.

“We appreciate the patience of all parties during this process,” McGuirk said in the official release from the county. “This is the perfect location for our team and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of Sarasota County and West Villages.”

Zach Murdock of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that the current proposal for the complex includes a 6,500 seat stadium, additional practice fields and a sports medicine academy on a 70-acre plot, all at a projected cost of $75-80 million. Murdock adds that McGuirk as well as Braves Vice Chairman John Schuerholz will be in town to meet with Sarasota County and City of North Port officials next week.

County Administrator Tom Harmer has handled the negotiations with the Braves. An agreement could come within the next few months. The county is planning a public update next week with Braves officials in town.

“There’s still a lot of work to do to finalize the terms, agreements and approvals necessary, but this announcement is a major step forward in the efforts to bring the Braves to our area,” Harmer said in the release. “Continuing to expand sports tourism is high on the county’s list, and the opportunity to bring a major sports anchor to the City of North Port could have a significant impact in south county.”

This move would end a two decade stay in the Orlando area for the Braves, who have trained at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex since 1997. In recent years, the team has explored relocation following the exit of many other teams from the immediate area. Sarasota County, Palm Beach County, Collier County and St. Petersburg have all been discussed as prospective spring training sites for the Braves.

Most recently, the Nationals and Astros moved into a joint-complex in West Palm Beach which opens this year, leaving only the Tigers within an hour’s drive of Atlanta’s spring home. If the Braves move to North Port, they would be nestled in an area with favorable commutes to the Rays, Pirates, Red Sox, Twins, Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays and even the Tigers to a lesser extent.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

The Atlanta Braves enter 2017 with reasons to be hopeful about the future of the franchise. A rebuilding process has taken place over the past two years, replenishing the minor league system and infusing the pipeline with scores of talented players. However, that took a toll on the big league club. After suffering through a pair of 95-plus loss seasons, the Braves seemed to turn the corner collectively in the second half of 2016. As they move into SunTrust Park and begin writing a new chapter in the franchise’s rich history, Atlanta is hoping that strong finish was a sign of things to come. This five-part preview series will focus on a different aspect of the club over the five weeks leading up to spring training. Braves pitchers and catchers report to Disney on February 14 and the first full squad work-out is February 18.

• Part 1: The Infield (Updated 2/12/17)
• Part 2: The Outfield
• Part 3: The Catchers
• Part 4: The Rotation
• Part 5: The Bullpen
• Braves Top 30 Prospects

 

 

 

Freddie Freeman | 1B | Age: 27 | Contract Status: 5-years, $106.5 million

The All-Star stalwart and face of the franchise, Freddie Freeman has seen it all over the past two years. Through it all, he went on to have a break-out campaign in 2016. After trade rumors were snuffed out by GM John Coppolella last winter, Freeman was able to turn his attention to on-field matters and that resulted in the finest season of his career. He put up numbers that may have earned him MVP honors on a pennant contender. Freeman posted a career-best 6.1 fWAR, which ranked third in the National League, ninth in MLB and was tops among all first basemen in baseball. He batted .302 and set career-highs in virtually every offensive category, including hits (178), doubles (43), triples (6), home runs (34), runs scored (102) on-base percentage (.400), slugging percentage (.569) and weighted runs created-plus (152). That’s impressive work for a guy who was coming off a season in which a wrist injury had cast some doubt about his health heading into 2016. Though he finished sixth in the MVP voting, there was a strong case to be made that his production may have warranted a Top 3 finish. Freeman was that good.

All of that begs the question: Is this the kind of annual production we can expect from Freeman? The easy answer to that is, of course, no. At least until he racks up a few similar campaigns. However, there is reason to believe that he can at least approach this kind of production on a regular basis. The arrival of Matt Kemp paid huge dividends for Freeman, who slashed .365/.484/.730 with 16 homers, 17 doubles, 48 RBI, 48 runs scored and 42 walks over the final 50 games. Those are video game numbers, a term I don’t like to throw around haphazardly. That production was fueled by an unsustainable .408 batting average on ball put in play (BABIP), but seeing Freeman enjoy the best production of his entire career after getting a legitimate clean-up hitter to protect him is an extremely encouraging sign. While Freeman may have been tempted to press prior to the acquisition of Kemp, it appears that some of that weight was lifted over the final two months of the season. Who is Freddie Freeman? MVP candidate or simply steady producer? We may find out the answer to these questions and more in 2017.

 

Brandon Phillips | 2B | Age: 35 | Contract Status: 1-year, $14 million

A late addition to the Atlanta infield, Brandon Phillips came over from the Reds in a trade just before spring training. An injury to Sean Rodriguez forced the Braves back out on the market to look for a solution to second base, a position at which the club has ranked among the least productive in baseball in recent years. Phillips, 35, is a three-time All-Star and four-time gold glove award winner and has been one of the steadier producers at the position over the last decade. After failing to land Phillips in a trade earlier this winter, Atlanta got him to waive his no-trade clause in February. This marks a home coming for the 15-year veteran, who grew up in nearby Stone Mountain. He does a little bit of everything, blending power, speed and defense to establish himself as one of the best second basemen in the National League over the last decade. Phillips’ production has not approached the 30-30 campaign of 2007, but he has averaged a .279/.325/.429 slash line with 17 homers, 77 RBI, 18 stolen bases and a 2.8 WAR over the past 11 seasons in Cincinnati. Phillips does not draw many walks, but does not strikeout at an alarming rate either. However, he has grounded into 179 double plays since 2006, tied for seventh most in baseball over that stretch.

Phillips batted .291/.320/.416 with 11 homers, 64 RBI and 14 steals last season, but his defense regressed. Phillips committed 14 errors – easily his most since 2006 – and finished with a career worst -2.3 UZR/150 and -7 DRS (defensive runs saved) per FanGraphs. He was a 2.7 fWAR player in 2015, but slipped to 0.9 last season due in large part to the defensive woes. However, a major aspect of this trade is the fact that Atlanta is getting an extreme discount on the veteran’s services. Cincinnati is paying $13 million of the $14 million Phillips is owed in 2017, leaving Atlanta responsible for just $1 million. The Braves traded a pair of arms who were non-factors in clubs future plans as well in Andrew McKirahan and Carlos Portuondo. Basically, the Reds were ready to move on and the Braves provided that opportunity. It’s one that could benefit all parties as it turns out. Phillips was unlikely to be guaranteed regular playing time with a logjam of younger infielders on the rise in Cincinnati, but he should see substantial action with Atlanta. If he performs to anywhere close to his career-norms, this will trade will have paid for itself several times over. Atlanta also has incumbent second baseman Jace Peterson, who could be groomed for a super-utility role beginning in 2017. If Phillips struggles or needs the occasional day off, Peterson could provide that. The future of the position is top prospect Ozzie Albies, 20, who is coming back from a broken elbow and could benefit from extended experience at the Triple-A level. It’s nice to have an All-Star hold things down until Albies is ready.

 

Sean Rodriguez | INF | Age: 31 | Contract Status: 2-years, $11.5 million

Coming off a career-year with the Pirates, the Braves were hoping Sean Rodriguez could bring both his versatility and newfound power stroke to Atlanta. Unfortunately, a January car crash has put his season in jeopardy. In late January, Rodriguez and his family were riding in their SUV when it was struck by a man driving a stolen Miami police cruiser. His wife and children were hospitalized, but Rodriguez did not initially require medical care. With his family recovering, Rodriguez has dealt with a lingering shoulder issue which eventually required surgery. That procedure will reportedly sideline Rodriguez for 3-5 months. After losing their projected starting second baseman, the Braves moved quickly to acquire veteran Brandon Phillips from the Reds. The team maintains hope that Rodriguez will be able to return in 2017.

As for what a healthy Rodriguez was projected to bring, power was high on the list. It’s not that Rodriguez has never shown that home run potential, because he had in the minor leagues, but he altered his stance and employed a high leg kick that allowed him to tap into it more regularly last season. Rodriguez belted a career-high 18 home runs in just 300 at-bats – one every 16.6 AB. For comparison, Matt Kemp slugged 35 homers at a rate of one every 17.8 AB. That illustration makes Rodriguez’s accomplishment that much more impressive, but it’s not just a big year with the bat that makes him so valuable. Versatility has long been his calling card. Rodriguez has played every position on the field over the course of his nine-year career except for pitcher and catcher. He hit well both home and away and against lefties and righties last season as he played in 140 games for Pittsburgh. Though Rodriguez is technically a platoon player, the ability to perform well in virtually any match-up scenario is yet another feather in his cap and could have allowed him to push 500 at-bats this season were it not for the injury. The changes he made in 2016 led to his improved power, but making necessary tweaks and adjustments will remain the key to continued success. Eno Sarris of FanGraphs wrote a detailed account of Rodriguez’s metamorphosis, which is recommended reading for those with an analytical slant. It’s probably unrealistic to expect Rodriguez to continue belting home runs at his 2016 rate, but a productive bat and capable glove at multiple positions gives the team an added layer of depth that should prove valuable when Rodriguez returns.

 

Jace Peterson | 2B | Age: 26 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

The 2016 season was quite the odyssey for Jace Peterson. Atlanta’s opening day second baseman found himself in Triple-A a month later, only to reclaim his job and become a steady contributor during the team’s resurgent second half. It’s entirely possible that Peterson felt the need to press after a misdiagnosed ligament injury in his thumb led to severe slump in 2015. He spent most of last winter with his hand in a cast, which no doubt hindered his ability to prepare for the season. Couple that with being placed all over the field during spring training games and you have a player who just never seemed to be comfortable. Perhaps he was pulled in too many different directions. Peterson was hitting just .182 before being sent to Gwinnett to get back on track on May 1, but once there his bat remained ice cold. He batted just .186 over 26 games in Triple-A. However, Peterson was needed by the big club in June and returned to finish the season strong. Over the final four months, he batted .265/.362/.389 with 23 XBH, 25 RBI and 38 runs scored in 94 games as he earned 77 starts, primarily at second.

Peterson’s excellent athleticism has won favor in the organization. A hard-worker with a football mentality, he has seen both stretches of success and struggle at the plate. If he can strike a balance and avoid those peaks and valleys, he has demonstrated the ability to be a productive hitter. Peterson has shown a good approach at the plate and will take what he’s given. He showed moderate improvement as a hitter by raising his walk rate from 10% to 12.7% all while cutting his strikeout rate from 20% in 2015 to just under 16.9% last season. Ultimately, versatility may be the thing that helps Peterson carve out a spot on the roster in years to come. With Sean Rodriguez on board, we may see a shift toward moving Peterson around yet again. The difference between this spring and last is that he isn’t coming in off an injury or after a prolonged slump. Though second base is still the most logical place for Peterson, he may see some time in the outfield as well as third base as a defensive replacement in 2017.

 

Dansby Swanson | SS | Age: 22 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

The centerpiece of one of the best trades in franchise history, Dansby Swanson burst onto the scene in Atlanta last summer and showed why he has a chance to be a franchise fixture for years to come. Blessed with off the charts makeup and a well-rounded tool set, Swanson has drawn rave reviews for his all-around game from Braves executives. The local kid from nearby Marietta handled his call-up with the kind of grace and consistency the team expected, while establishing himself as an asset on a nightly basis. Swanson batted .302/.361/.442 with a 115 OPS+ in 38 games after making the jump from Double-A Mississippi to the majors just over a year after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft by Arizona. He did everything the club asked on the trek to the big leagues, opening the season with Carolina before an early promotion to Mississippi, where he batted .261 with eight homers and 45 RBI in 84 games.

Some were surprised initially that Swanson got the call, given that his minor league numbers don’t jump off the page. He put any concerns to rest relatively quickly, however, as he settled into the everyday shortstop job with Atlanta. Swanson was one of the catalysts for the Braves’ second half surge. After hitting just .236 in his first 15 games, he batted .351/.417/.568 over his final 23 contests and ended the season just two at-bats shy of surpassing rookie status. A contact hitter who can spray line drives all over the ballpark and possesses the ability to work counts, the Braves are likely to move Swanson up to the No. 2 spot in the batting order in 2017. Swanson is a standout player defensively as well. He displayed his quickness, range and arm strength throughout his major league orientation. As Braves president of baseball operations John Hart put it recently, “Swanson is a player whose overall game is better than the sum of the parts.” He does everything well, though he does not possess one stand-out tool. What Atlanta loves about Swanson is that he is a steady contributor with a winning mentality. In other words, the intangibles may be hard to quantify, but they give him a chance to be an All-Star player for years to come. That could begin in 2017 as the Braves move into SunTrust Park. (Read more about the Braves Top 30 Prospects for 2017)

 

Adonis Garcia | 3B | Age: 31 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

Much like Jace Peterson, the Cuban born Adonis Garcia had a somewhat bumpy ride in 2016. With his fellow countryman, Hector Olivera, moving to left field during the spring, it appeared the door was open for Garcia to become the team’s everyday third baseman. After all, Garcia had flashed surprising power in limited playing time in 2015 by hitting 10 home runs in 191 at-bats. There was no initial carryover effect for Garcia, however. His defense, which was already questionable, left much to be desired over the first few weeks and his bat was ineffective. After Olivera found himself suspended for legal trouble, there was some thought that Garcia could transition to left field given his struggles at third. Unfortunately, that was also an adventure defensively. Garcia was dispatched to Gwinnett to spend some time getting comfortable in the outfield, only to return to the hot corner for Atlanta just three weeks later. The surprising result was a third baseman who was doing his best Brooks Robinson impression from that point on, with far fewer miscues.

Garcia was batting .260/.319/.308 with just three extra-base hits – one homer – and eight RBI when he was demoted on May 6. Bear in mind, this was coming from a player who was serving as Atlanta’s clean-up hitter and getting starts in the three-hole. Not only was his defense much improved upon his return, but he slashed a much more acceptable .276/.310/.430 with 40 XBH – 27 doubles and 13 homers – with 57 RBI and 57 runs scored over his final 106 games. Despite the uptick, Garcia is still not providing All-Star production for a third baseman by any stretch of the imagination, a point clearly illustrated by his 90 wRC+ for the season. However, when you consider the quiet start and factor in the improved play both at the plate and in the field, it’s easy to start feeling a little more comfortable with Garcia returning to man third base in 2017. That said, his hold on the position will be tenuous at best. Garcia posted just a .700 OPS against right-handed pitchers and if that drops any further then it would probably be in Atlanta’s best interest to explore its options and search for ways to add production to a projected lineup that falls off notably after the five-spot. Garcia’s second half numbers were encouraging – .293 with a 119 OPS+ in 67 games, but there is also enough reason to question whether or not he’ll be able to duplicate that production over the course of a full season. If he falters, Sean Rodriguez figures to see more time at third base unless or until another option can be found. Atlanta will continue to keep tabs on prospect Rio Ruiz as well.

 

Chase d’Arnaud | INF | Age: 30 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

The affable Chase d’Arnaud comes from a baseball family. His younger brother, Travis, plays for the Mets. The elder d’Arnaud has bounced around some over the course of his nine-year career, but happened to be in the right place at the right time with Atlanta last season. After being drafted in the 4th round and spending seven seasons in the Pirates organization, the speedy infielder has taken to playing wherever and whenever over the last two years. Originally a shortstop, d’Arnaud has also seen time at second, third and all three outfield spots as he’s begun carving out a niche as a utility type. As discussed with both Sean Rodriguez and Jace Peterson, Atlanta has put a premium on finding players that can serve the team in a variety of ways. d’Arnaud is another example of this.

He did not have much of a chance to get rolling in Gwinnett before Atlanta began shuffling the roster in May after getting off to a dreadful start. d’Arnaud came in and batted .345/.402/.452 over his first 25 games, easily the best stretch of his big league career. While he proved useful throughout the season, he saw his playing time scaled back after the arrival of Dansby Swanson and the return of both Jace Peterson and Adonis Garcia from Triple-A sabbaticals. With his starts fewer and further between, d’Arnaud cooled off considerably over the final 100 games, hitting just .188 (with a bad-luck .231 BABIP). Given the current roster construction, d’Arnaud can still provide some value as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner and late inning defensive replacement. Atlanta certainly doesn’t mind having yet another versatile player in the fold.

 

Rio Ruiz | 3B | Age: 22 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

Acquired from Houston in the Evan Gattis trade, Atlanta was hoping to have added a potential third baseman of the future in Rio Ruiz. However, prolonged struggles at the Double-A level were assuaged only slightly by a solid final month of the 2015 season. Following that rocky debut in the organization, the Braves challenged Ruiz heading into last winter. Many, if not most, figured that a return to Mississippi was in order as Ruiz was sent home for the winter with the goal of dropping some weight and improving his approach. The results, however, exceeded expectation. Ruiz went to work and returned this past spring 25 lbs. lighter and ready to tackle what would come next – a somewhat aggressive promotion to Triple-A. Ruiz put some things together in 2016, so much so that he found himself in Atlanta by September.

Though a fast start gave way to some May struggles, Ruiz navigated his way through those to put together a respectable .271/.355/.401 line on the season with 10 homers and a team-high 62 RBI in 133 games for Gwinnett last year. That was a major improvement from the .229/.331/.318 campaign he posted with Mississippi in 2015. The power is there, though it may not necessary result in a high home run total annually. Ruiz is a good judge of the strikezone and that should allow him to work counts and find pitches to hit. He also improved his footwork and general play around the bag at third base last season. Ruiz is an adequate fielder who could develop into a productive hitter, but it is important to keep in mind that he was among the youngest players in Triple-A last season. Ruiz will get a look by the Braves this spring in big league camp, but a return to Gwinnett seems to be the most likely scenario. Heading into his age 22 season, that’s not necessarily a bad thing either. (Read more about the Braves Top 30 Prospects for 2017)

 

Ozzie Albies | 2B | Age: 20 | Contract Status: Pre-arbitration

Ozzie Albies has been a fast-riser since signing with Atlanta nearly four years ago for $350,000. The speedy Curacao native wasted little time establishing himself as one of the best contact hitters in the minor leagues. Despite being one of the youngest players in his league annually, Albies is a lifetime .310/.377/.419 hitter with 81 stolen bases in 293 games and even flashed some extra-base hit ability last season. He has rocketed through the ranks and accomplished all of this while never facing a pitcher younger than him in his minor league career. With an excellent blend of offensive and defensive skills to go along with a tremendous competitive spirit, it’s no wonder Albies has enjoyed success wherever he’s gone. It has him knocking on the door of the major leagues.

The Braves have not been hesitant to challenge Albies, whose gregarious nature helps him fit right into any clubhouse. He speaks four languages and has tremendous makeup as well, which certainly plays in his favor. Albies was the youngest player in the Double-A Southern League in 2016, where he won the batting title with a .321 average despite a stint in Triple-A in the middle of the season. Though he’s an excellent defensive shortstop, the Braves decided to go ahead and move Albies to second base last season and even paired him with Dansby Swanson upon his return to Mississippi. The club hopes that double play duo will be together for years to come. After an excellent all-around season, Albies suffered a bizarre injury in the Southern League playoffs when he fractured the olecranon bone in his right elbow on a swing. Though it ended his season and scuttled any thoughts of a September call-up, Albies is on schedule to be ready for the start of spring training. He will come to camp to compete for Atlanta’s second base job, but could begin the season with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he showed signs of figuring things out before dropping back down a level to play alongside Swanson. If his past is any indicator, it won’t be long until Albies is ready to make the jump to SunTrust Park. (Read more about the Braves Top 30 Prospects for 2017)

Other Options:

The Braves have a handful of other players who will come to camp to compete for reserve roles and provide depth at the Triple-A level. Well-traveled veteran INF/OF Emilio Bonifacio has had a couple of stints in Atlanta, returning last season to see limited time with the big club. A career .258 hitter with 166 steals in 793 games for 8 teams over the 10 seasons, the 31-year-old will likely begin 2017 in Gwinnett, where he batted .298 with 37 steals in 107 games last year … INF Micah Johnson was acquired from the Dodgers in mid-January to add another speedy, versatile option in the upper minors. Johnson, 26, was the White Sox opening day second baseman in 2015, but failed to produce and was dealt to Los Angeles in the Todd Frazier trade last winter. He’s batted .226 in just 43 big league games, but is a .292 hitter with 179 steals in 505 minor league games. The Dodgers started moving him around the diamond last year, with starts at 2B, 3B, CF and LF. Johnson is young enough that he could work his way into Atlanta’s plans if he remains productive … INF Colin Walsh got his first taste of the majors with the Brewers last season and signed a minor league deal with Atlanta this winter. Walsh, 27, had a truly odd slash line for Milwaukee, batting .085/.317/.106 thanks to 15 walks in 63 plate appearances. The former Cardinal farmhand joins his fourth organization and is a career .277/.394/.419 hitter across seven minor league seasons. Walsh can play 2B, 3B and the OF and will likely factor into Gwinnett’s plans in 2017 as he remains on the ready for a possible call-up… 1B Balbino Fuenmayor is a fun name, for a couple of reasons. One of those is rather obvious, while the other is tied to the rampage he went on during winter ball, hitting .342 with nine HR and 37 RBI over 38 games in his native Venezuela. He found his way back into organized ball with the Royals in 2015 after playing for a Canadian independent league. Not known for his glove, Fuenmayor is likely earmarked for a season in Gwinnett.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

The Atlanta Braves got back to business with their first trade of 2017, dealing outfielder Mallex Smith and righy reliever Shae Simmons to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for left-handed pitchers Luiz Gohara and Thomas Burrows on Wednesday.

Smith, 23, made his big league debut for the Braves last summer, but a broken thumb cost him significant time. He batted .238/.316/.365 with 16 stolen bases in 72 games and was then plagued by an oblique injury during winter ball. Atlanta’s front office seemed undecided on his status for 2017, which may have included a stint as the club’s fourth outfielder or a trip back to Triple-A Gwinnett to continue his development. Smith’s time in Seattle was brief, however. He was immediately traded to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a four-player deal in which Seattle received lefty starter Drew Smyly.

Simmons, 26, was a hard-throwing righty reliever who reached Atlanta in 2014, but has dealt with arm injuries. Tommy John surgery and assorted ailments have limited Simmons to just 25 innings over the past two seasons. He made just seven appearances for the Braves in 2016. He is 1-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 8.3 K/9 in 33 career appearances. By trading Smith and Simmons, Atlanta cleared two spots off the 40-man roster, which adds flexibility and could signal more moves are in the offing. The Braves are in need of a fourth outfielder and could look to bolster the bench before spring training next month.

As for the prospects the Braves received, the deal is headlined by the Brazilian-born Gohara, who has tremendous upside and was recently rated the No. 3 prospect in the Mariners system by Baseball America. The 6’3″ lefty trimmed down some in 2016 and enjoyed a strong season, but dealt with a hamstring injury in August. On the year, Gohara finished 7-2 with a 1.81 ERA and 23BB/81K in 69.2 IP over 13 starts in A-ball. He followed that up with a good showing while pitching in relief for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 19 men and walking just three to go along with a 3.86 ERA in 11.2 IP over nine appearances. Gohara has scintillating stuff, featuring a mid-high 90s fastball which he complements with a good breaking ball. Though he is far from a finished product, his command took a step forward in 2016, which bodes well for his future. Gohara is likely to join several of the Braves top pitching prospects (Kolby Allard, Mike Soroka, Touki Toussaint and Ricardo Sanchez) in rotation for the Fire Frogs of the Florida State League at some point in 2017.

It’s worth noting that Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that Gohara could have been dealt to Cincinnati last season, but the Reds had concerns about the young lefty’s shoulder according to a source. Rosenthal also mentioned it is not uncommon for young arms to exhibit enough “wear-and-tear” to fail a physical and that multiple scouts sent him unsolicited text messages questioning Seattle’s willingness to part with Gohara following his impressive run in the AFL. Of course, Simmons is still trying to reestablish himself following reconstructive elbow surgery in 2015, a risk the Mariners were willing to take. As for the injury concern on Atlanta’s end, general manager John Coppolella told Rosenthal that the team has done its due diligence on this and all deals:

“Our medical group puts a lot of time, effort and thought into evaluating every potential acquisition. We have had to walk away from two trades this offseason because of failed medicals. We feel good about the health of both players we acquired in the trade.”

Burrows, 22, was a 4th round pick by the Mariners last June out of the University of Alabama, where he set the school’s saves record. He has an excellent fastball-slider combination that could allow for him to rise through the system quickly. Burrows posted a 2.55 ERA in 20 appearances in his pro debut for short-season Everett, recording six saves and averaging 13.5 K/9 over 24.2 IP. His collegiate experience puts him in the same boat as fellow lefties A.J. Minter and Corbin Clouse when it comes to climbing the ranks, but he will obviously have to prove himself on the way up. The Braves have taken steps over the past year to add quality southpaw depth to the system and Burrows is another step in the right direction.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

No homecoming for Brandon Phillips…

The big Hot Stove news item of the week appears to have expired back in November. That’s when Brandon Phillips reportedly rejected a trade that would have sent him to Atlanta. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports wrote about the failed deal on Thursday. It was nixed because Phillips invoked his 10-5 rights (10 years of service and five consecutive with the same team) to block the trade to the Braves. Phillips has one year and $14 million remaining on the extension he signed in 2012 and Cincinnati would have covered a portion of that salary in order to facilitate a trade. Phillips would not have fetched much in the way of prospects, with possible names likely among the players Atlanta has traded away in subsequent deals or cut loose this winter. The Braves went on to sign free-agent infielder Sean Rodriguez, which makes any chance of revisiting the deal remote at best despite claims to the contrary.

It’s a curious turn of events on several fronts. Phillips, 35, has been with the Reds since 2006, but grew up in nearby Stone Mountain and still lives in Atlanta. It stood to reason that the opportunity to play closer to home may have appealed to him, but other factors appear to have led to his decision to pass on that opportunity. This marked the third time the Reds had lined up a trade for their second baseman only to have it vetoed by Phillips. Cincinnati had previously attempted to trade him to both the Nationals and Diamondbacks.

Phillips batted .291/.320/.416 with 11 homers, 64 RBI and 14 steals last season, but his defense bottomed out with 14 errors – easily his most since 2006 – and a career worst -2.3 UZR/150 per FanGraphs. In the midst of a rebuild, the Reds are looking to get younger and create some playing time for former Braves prospect Jose Peraza among others. This could affect Phillips’ playing time in 2017.

Whither Brian Dozier?

Rumors persist that the Braves could indeed be in the mix for Twins second baseman Brian Dozier. He has drawn interest from multiple clubs, including the Dodgers. As discussed last week, Atlanta did not seem to be at the forefront of talks, but remains at least an outside possibility should the right deal come together. Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press trotted out a rumor of a Dozier to Atlanta possibility, before walking it back on Friday morning.

Beginning:

Middle:

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It’s hard to imagine that a pair of young arms who have struggled to establish themselves at the big league level is all it would take to land an All-Star second baseman. While Matt Wisler and Aaron Blair both have upside, Minnesota would likely require more in return. Dozier, 29, is under team control for two more seasons at a total of $15 million. He belted a career-high 42 home runs and posted a 6.5 WAR during a career-year in 2016. Given his team-friendly salary, the Twins could very well hold onto him and let the demand build. As an aside, Dozier is also one of the better defensive second basemen in the game, making him a far better player than former Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla, whose name seems to be top of mind for many fans when discussing Dozier’s hitting exploits. The Uggla trade is a cautionary tale, sure, but that deal went south thanks in large part to a multi-year extension and his rapid, almost inexplicable decline. Make no mistake, these are two entirely different people, if not players.

Stick with what you have…

The Braves could very well opt to go with their in-house options and look to the newly-signed Rodriguez and holdover Jace Peterson at the keystone position, while awaiting the debut of top prospect Ozzie Albies later this summer. Rodriguez could potentially get at-bats at third base as well, where Adonis Garcia is the incumbent. Though he showed improvement in the second half, Garcia is not a big factor in Atlanta’s long term plans. On the other hand, Albies’ arrival has been anticipated since last summer and may well have happened were it not for the broken elbow he suffered in September during the minor league playoffs. Albies is expected to be ready for spring training. Braves pitchers and catchers report on February 14 and the first full squad workout is on February 18.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

Putting together my Top 30 Atlanta Braves Prospects was no small undertaking. In a farm system loaded with talent, it was extremely challenging to weigh the factors that ultimately shaped the list. I’ve been asked what comprised the criteria for my ranking system. That’s a fair question, but I’ve maintained first and foremost that this list is a fluid situation. As for establishing the order, talent, projectability, makeup, statistical indicators of success and other variables all play a part. Proximity to the majors is also a minor consideration when it comes to establishing a depth chart of sorts. Here are a few names that could be popping up on my list or others in the very near future.

Catch up on the my full Top 30 list here:

• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 1 (21-30)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 2 (11-20)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 3 (1-10)
• Braves Top Prospects: Honorable Mentions

Drew Harrington | LHP | Age: 21 | Acquired: 3rd Round, 2016 | ETA: 2018

An impressive left-hander out of the University of Louisville, Drew Harrington was the first college arm Atlanta selected in last June’s draft. The 80th overall pick, he received a $900,000 bonus from the Braves after closing out his collegiate career by winning ACC pitcher of the year for the Cardinals. Harrington posted a 12-2 record with a 1.95 ERA and 37BB/100K in 110.2 IP as a junior last season. A highly-touted lefty starter out of high school, Harrington spent his first two years at Louisville pitching primarily out of the bullpen and followed that same path when he made his professional debut with Danville in 2016. Harrington went 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 5BB/15K in 14.2 IP over nine appearances (one start). There’s a good chance Atlanta simply wanted to watch his innings and get him some work in short-season ball, though he could project as a reliever down the line. Harrington has a sinking fastball that he operates in the low-90s and backs up with a sharp slider and an emerging changeup. That third pitch will be a critical factor to Harrington remaining a starter. At some point, it will be a numbers game when it comes to setting the minor league rotations. Given that Harrington is a college arm who has experience as a reliever, he could stick in that role and be fast-tracked through the system. He’ll turn 22 just before the season and it would not surprise me to see him advance to Double-A by the second half if he has success in either Rome or Florida.

Abrahan Guitierez | C | Age: 17 | Acquired: Free Agent, 2016 | ETA: 2021

One of many highly-touted talents among Atlanta’s international signees in 2016, the Braves hope Abrahan Gutierrez could blossom into something special behind the plate. Atlanta’s system has lacked both depth and long term answers at the position for some time, especially in the wake of Christian Bethancourt’s failed run. By the time all is said and done, Gutierrez could very well be riding that same kind of hype train, but with the hopes he will reach Atlanta to stay. A stand-out performer since the age of 11 in his native Venezuela, the Braves signed him for $3.5 million. Gutierrez is a good receiver with a strong, accurate arm, but his power potential is the most exciting part of his game. Gutierrez has drawn comparisons to both Mike Piazza and budding Yankees slugger Gary Sanchez, but has plenty of development in front of him before those comparisons may prove accurate. Like any player in his mid-late teens, Gutierrez will continue to grow into his body and begin the process of polishing his skills both at and behind the plate. He should debut in the Dominican Summer League or perhaps join Kevin Maitan in the Gulf Coast League later this summer.

Dylan Moore | INF | Age: 24 | Acquired: Trade with Texas | ETA: 2018

The Braves added the versatile Dylan Moore as part of a three-way trade that sent Jeff Francoeur to the Marlins in late August. With a mix of speed and power and the ability to play multiple positions, Atlanta may have quietly added a useful piece. Moore was a bit old for the low minors, but he could move quickly after a good showing in the Arizona Fall League. Originally a seventh round selection as a senior out of the University of Central Florida in 2015, Moore spent his final two years at UCF after transferring from Cypress College in California. A well-rounded collegiate hitter, he has hit the ground running thus far in the minor leagues, posting an .824 OPS. His success in the AFL is encouraging and could be a sign of things to come. The fact that he basically does a little bit of everything makes him an intriguing prospect in an organization that values a well-rounded game. Moore has a nice blend of power and speed (46 extra-base hits and 42 steals in 2016), which should allow him to hit for extra-bases and take the extra base on a fairly regular basis. He has seen time at all four infield spots after playing shortstop in college and is adequate in the field. That along with his bat could help him carve out a spot as a super-utility-type. Moore may begin 2017 in Mississippi, or jump there quickly after a stop in the Florida State League.

Corbin Clouse | LHP | Age: 21 | Acquired: 27th Round, 2016 | ETA: 2018

The draft can provide all nature of necessary pieces. While the early rounds typically provide fans with most of the initial excitement, the later rounds can help tell the tale of a draft class. Atlanta may have found a useful lefty reliever in 27th rounder Corbin Clouse. Selected out of Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI, Clouse gave up just two extra-base hits as he dominated in his debut season between Danville and Rome in 2016. He finished with video game numbers, going 5-0 with five saves, a 1.19 ERA and 15BB/53K in 30.1 IP. It’s worth noting that he was tough on both righty (.137 BAA) and lefty hitters (.107 BAA) as the Braves allowed him to work full innings to excellent results. It’s a small sample size, but those who witnessed Clouse firsthand can vouch for the devastating slider that helped him rack up 15.7 K/9 in his first taste of pro ball. He could get a chance to close in the Florida State League and earn a promotion to Double-A before season’s end.

Ray-Patrick Didder | OF | Age: 22 | Acquired: Free Agent, 2013 | ETA: 2019

I saved perhaps the best of this bunch for last. One of the more intriguing prospects on the edge of jumping into my Top 30 was Ray-Patrick Didder. Originally signed out of Aruba as a middle infielder in 2013, he put himself on the map upon moving to the outfield in 2015 and enjoyed a very solid season atop the lineup for Rome last year. Didder was both a South Atlantic League and organizational All-Star in 2016, while establishing himself as perhaps the best defensive outfielder in the Atlanta farm system. A converted shortstop, Didder has natural instincts, great speed and a strong arm that all work in concert. He racked up 20 assists last season, a total that tied him for second most among outfielders in the Sally League and tops in the entire Braves organization. It’s not just the arm that draws notice. Didder gets a consistently good read on the ball and takes efficient routes, which is impressive considering he is relatively new to the outfield. He has all the makings of a strong center fielder, but only got extended time there because of an injury to Ronald Acuña.

Didder had an interesting year at the plate to say the least. Installed in the leadoff spot for Rome, he batted .274/.387/.381 in 132 games and led the system with 95 runs scored and 37 stolen bases. Didder runs the bases with abandon and his speed is among the best in the system as well. He should remain a base-stealing threat as he climbs the ranks. His on-base percentage was influenced by a staggering 39 times hit by pitch, which led the minor leagues last season. It’s doubtful that rather painful brand of charity can be depended on annually. Didder is still a work in progress as a hitter, but could tap into some extra-base ability with continued refinement and a bit more lower body involvement. He is vulnerable inside thanks to a swing that is a bit long at times. If he can make the adjustment, those HBP’s may start turning into extra-bases. Didder spends his offseasons working out with Xander Bogaerts, a fellow Aruban and budding star shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. Atlanta would undoubtedly love to see Didder’s bat follow a similar path. He will open 2017 with the Fire Frogs in the FSL.

 

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

The Atlanta Braves returned their focus to young talent following the 2014 season. The results have been astounding. Spending nearly two years stockpiling talent through the draft, trades and international signings, John Coppolella and company have rebuilt this prestigious system into perhaps the best in the game. In the second of this three-part series, I have ranked 10 more of Atlanta’s Top 30 prospects. With the No. 11-20 prospects, we begin finding players who could easily be in the Top 10 for numerous other organizations. And that’s not just lip service. Based on Atlanta’s collection of talent, however, we find these men right in the middle of my Top 30. Keep in mind, this is just my accounting of the Atlanta system, which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed putting it together. A new group of 10 will be released each Thursday between now and the end of the year, counting down from No. 30 to No. 1. Additionally, a new “Around The Big Leagues” podcast will accompany each part.

• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 1 (21-30)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 2 (11-20)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 3 (1-10)
• Braves Top Prospects: Honorable Mentions

 

10.) Touki Toussaint | RHP | Age: 20 | Acquired: Trade with Arizona, 2015 | ETA: 2019

Atlanta’s rebuild has taken many different forms when it comes to acquiring talent. Some of those have been less traditional than others. Case in point, the Braves essentially purchased Touki Toussaint by providing Arizona with $10 million in salary relief for taking the injured Bronson Arroyo off its hands. And they did it one year to the day that Toussaint was selected by the Diamondbacks with the 16th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Yes, it was a trade and Atlanta also parted with back-up infielder Phil Gosselin, but Arizona’s peculiar decision to prioritize saving money on Arroyo and in turn part with Toussaint after just 19 appearances is truly baffling. On the flip side, this forward-thinking and creative move is just one of the many ways the Braves have bolstered their farm system. After watching Toussaint take some big steps forward in his development in 2016, the club’s foresight appears to be paying dividends.

Toussaint has electric stuff, but grew up playing soccer in Haiti and did not truly begin honing his baseball skills until his teenage years. A raw, hard-thrower, Toussaint was on Atlanta’s radar in the 2014 June draft, but was gone by the time the club picked at No. 31. Credit John Coppolella and company for following up and making the most of a second chance to acquire Toussaint. After adjusting his motion and dropping his release point, Toussaint enjoyed success with those improved mechanics during the second half with Rome in 2016. In addition to mid-90s heat, he owns the best breaking ball in the Atlanta system, a curveball that is as beautiful as it is deadly. Though he still needs to refine his changeup and can struggle with control, Toussaint closed last season strong. After posting a 4.63 ERA and striking out only 56 batters against 39 walks in his first 72 IP, Toussaint posted a 2.98 ERA with 32BB/72K over 60.1 IP in his final 12 appearances – good for 10.7 K/9 during that stretch. He fired a eight innings of one-run ball in his lone playoff start for Rome and also logged a scoreless frame in which he struck out the side in relief. Toussaint will ascend to the Florida State League in 2017, where he will be one of the most intriguing arms to watch in a system that is loaded with pitching talent.

9.) Austin Riley | 3B | Age: 19 | Acquired: 1st Round (41st), 2015 | ETA: 2019

If you aren’t overly familiar with the concept of competitive balance picks, then you aren’t alone. Prior to Atlanta’s wheeling and dealing over the past two years, the average fan was probably not well-versed in just what a valuable commodity these selections could turn out to be. The Braves insisted on getting these draft picks back in many of the early trades in their rebuild, eying the possibilities those draft selections and that pool money would provide them come draft day. The pick that netted Austin Riley was acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Craig Kimbrel trade. In addition to divesting themselves of Melvin Upton Jr.’s bloated contract, Atlanta may have found its third baseman of the future. A big, sturdy kid who stands 6’3” and weighs in at 230 lbs., Riley possess light tower power and settled in at the hot corner after being a two-way star for DeSoto Central High School in Southaven, MS.

It would appear the Braves chose wisely in moving Riley from the mound upon drafting him in 2015. Riley let his bat do the talking and slugged .544 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 60 games between the Gulf Coast League and Danville in his pro debut. Getting his first full season action with Rome in 2016, he paced the system with 20 home runs, 61 extra-base hits, 237 total bases and 80 RBI. Those solid numbers were bolstered by a strong second half. Riley batted .289/.348/.581 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI in his final 66 games. He has a somewhat busy swing, but made some necessary adjustments last year. Those allowed him to get to pitches on the inside part of the plate, while taking outside pitches the opposite way. His power to all fields produced more than his fair share of extra-base hits. Riley makes consistent hard contact, but has struck out nearly 30 percent of the time in a season and a half. Couple that with a low walk-rate (just 65 in his 795 plate appearances) and we find a young hitter who is still honing his craft. That walk total is deceptive when it comes to Riley’s overall pitch recognition, which is actually quite good. On the other side, he also has work to do defensively in order to stick at third base. There is no question about the arm, but Riley’s glove work needs attention (46 errors in 175 career games). Given his size, some scouts believe left field may end up being the best place for Riley. There is no rush to make a position change, however, and he’ll head to the Florida State League for his age 20 season.

8. Mike Soroka | RHP | Age: 19 | Acquired: 1st Round (28th), 2015 | ETA: 2019

There may be other Atlanta pitching prospects that spring to mind more quickly than Mike Soroka, but that could change quickly thanks to the resume he has built in a short amount of time in the system. Part of the vaunted Rome Braves rotation that helped capture a South Atlantic League title, Soroka was a model of efficiency and consistency in 2016. The one takeaway for every talent evaluator I’ve spoken to is that Soroka pitches beyond his years. The Braves jumped at the opportunity to nab him out of Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary, AB, where he also pitched for the Canadian Junior National Team. Atlanta signed him for just under $2 million and limited him to just 34 innings as a 17-year-old in his 2015 debut. Armed with three excellent offerings and exceptional control, Soroka knows how to mix his pitches for maximum results. His sinking fastball sits in the low-90s and lives in the bottom half of the strike zone. Soroka compliments that with a curveball and changeup which both serve to confound opposing hitters.

Like many of Atlanta’s recent draft selections and top prospects on this list, Soroka was one of the younger players in his league last season. That did not stop him from putting up strong numbers, however. Though just 9-9, his 3.02 ERA ranked eighth in the South Atlantic League and he allowed just three home runs in 143 IP. That strikingly low total is a testament to Soroka’s ability to keep the ball down in the zone and generate ground balls. He anchored the Rome rotation all season and in the playoffs as well, allowing just one earned run in 14.2 IP.  All of this was accomplished by a pitcher who did not turn 19 until the final month of the season. It’s easy to see why Soroka has many fans throughout the organization. He displays a calm demeanor and extreme presence on the mound, traits that should serve him well as he moves to High-A with the Fire Frogs in 2017.

7.) Max Fried | LHP | Age: 23 | Acquired: Trade with Padres, 2014 | ETA: 2018

The Braves had to take it slow with Max Fried, but their patience was rewarded last season. Fried was acquired from San Diego as part of the Justin Upton trade and was in the midst of his recovery from Tommy John surgery at that time. This was yet another calculated risk for Atlanta, banking on the former top 10 pick to bounce back and cash in on his potential. However, it’s worth noting that a pitching prospect like Fried may not have even been available were it not for that injury. Fried did not throw a pitch in 2015, but was back in a big way last year and is likely to jump back into those Top 100 prospect lists now that he’s healthy for the first time in two years. Fried was 8-7 with a 3.93 ERA and 47BB/112K in 103 IP for Rome last season. He also piled up a ridiculous 10 pickoffs thanks to one of the most deceptive moves in the minors.

While his overall numbers don’t look overwhelming at first glance, he was yet another Atlanta farmhand who showed more in how he finished the season than how it began. Fried was 6-3 with a 2.80 ERA and 11.8 K/9 in his last 11 regular season starts, punching out 10 men in each of his final two outings. He followed that up with a dominant performance in the playoffs, in which he struck out a career-high 11 men over 7.2 IP to send Rome to the South Atlantic League championship series and then topped that with a 13-strikeout performance to clinch the Sally League title. Fried’s velocity was back to its pre-surgery level last season, sitting in the low-mid-90s and jumping up 97 mph at times. A midseason blister issue cost him about a month, but may well have opened the door for his playoff heroics. He throws two curveballs, a sharp breaker that serves as a put-away pitch and a slower version that he can rely on to set hitters up with. Fried’s changeup is also a quality pitch and should improve as he continues to refine his repertoire. Though he could begin next year with High-A Florida, Fried may see an early promotion that allows him to spend the majority of the season with Double-A Mississippi. There are some indications that he may work his way into Atlanta’s plans before 2017 is over.

6.) Ian Anderson | RHP | Age: 18 | Acquired: 1st Round (3rd), 2016 | ETA: 2020

Bonus pools are still a relatively new concept for many fans to grapple with when it comes to the June draft, but anyone who follows the Braves got a crash course in creative allocation of funds in 2016. In fact, teams are still perfecting their strategies when it comes to draft spending. As discussed countless times, it has become clear over the past two years that Atlanta is always looking for ways to remain creative in order to maximize the return on investment. Selecting Ian Anderson, a projectable right-hander, with the third overall pick was the first step in a three-part process that allowed Atlanta to procure three outstanding prep pitchers. Anderson signed for $4 million (slot value for the No. 3 pick was $6.5 million) which made it possible to apply added money to the bonuses of Joey Wentz and Kyle Muller. Thus, the Braves feel they acquired three high ceiling arms to highlight last June’s draft class. Let’s not allow that strategy to overshadow just how talented Anderson is, however.

Atlanta had been on Anderson for quite some time leading up to his eventual selection last June. He was a consensus top 10 pick and Braves scouting director Brian Bridges dropped a Mike Mussina comparison on draft night. Anderson is along the lines of 2015 draftee Mike Soroka, another cerebral pitcher in the system who executes his game plan with precision. Signed away from a commitment to Vanderbilt, Anderson operates in the low-90s with a fastball that can be ramped up a few more ticks when necessary. However, it’s his impressive offspeed combination of a changeup and curveball which gives him the weapons to become an effective big league starter. At just 6’3” and 170 pounds coming out of Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, N.Y., Anderson’s physical development will play a role in determining just how high his ceiling may eventually be. Most believe his floor is that of a middle of the rotation starter. After getting his feet wet with the Gulf Coast League and Danville, posting a 2.04 ERA in 10 starts with 12BB/36K in 39.2 IP, Anderson will get his first taste of full season ball with Rome in 2017.

5.) Kevin Maitan | SS | Age: 16 | Acquired: Free Agent, 2016 | ETA: 2020

Kevin Maitan is perhaps the next great player to come from Venezuela, a country that has produced Miguel Cabrera, Félix Hernández, Jose Altuve and Carlos Gonzalez just to name a few in recent years. The press clippings were many when it came to scouts and prospect experts singing the praises of Maitan, so to say that the Braves were intent on securing his services would be putting it lightly. The switch-hitting shortstop had been on the radar of clubs for nearly three years as he developed into the top international prospect in the 2016 class. Atlanta signed Maitan for $4.25 million, part of a spending spree that netted numerous top talents last summer. Drawing comparisons to Cabrera as well as Braves great Chipper Jones, the expectations are sky high for Maitan, who has been already been tabbed a generational talent by some.

He possesses power from both sides of the plate and already shows an advanced approach to hitting. That’s not something one comes to expect from a 16-year-old, but one of the many reasons Maitan is a special player. The athleticism and baseball smarts are also off the charts. He has the ability to stay at shortstop, but some talent evaluators already believe a move to third base is in Maitan’s future. That does not have to happen anytime soon as there is still plenty of physical development ahead. Just like Cristian Pache and Derian Cruz before him, Maitan is set to make his professional debut roughly one year after signing. While the Gulf Coast League is a possibility, a stint in the Dominican Summer League may be the most likely spot for Maitan to begin his journey.

4.) Sean Newcomb | LHP | Age: 23 | Acquired: Trade with Angels, 2015 | ETA: 2017

As the big return for shipping the popular Andrelton Simmons to Los Angeles, Sean Newcomb has faced high expectations since the day he joined the Atlanta system. The big left-hander has front of the rotation stuff, but refining his command is the big hurdle. The Angels took Newcomb with the 15th overall selection in the 2014 draft out of the University of Hartford in Connecticut. At 6’5” and 255 lbs., Newcomb has drawn comparison to Cubs ace Jon Lester throughout his minor league career. A glance at the size, stuff and throwing motion confirm that observation. After just one full season in the Los Angeles system and a trip the Futures Game in 2015, Newcomb switched organizations. He finished his first season with the Braves with an 8-7 record to go along with a 3.86 ERA and led the Southern League (and all Double-A pitchers) with 152 strikeouts, a total that tied him for second in the organization. Newcomb’s fastball is typically in the low-mid 90s, but he can easily push it to 97 mph, with reports he has touched triple digits over the past two seasons. His curveball is a plus pitch and generates plenty of swings and misses. The changeup is adequate and provides the necessary variety to be a useful third pitch.

The organization was encouraged with the way Newcomb finished his 2016 campaign with Mississippi, where he posted a 2.70 ERA with 23BB/69K and a .497 opponents’ OPS in 56.2 IP over his final 10 starts. When the Braves traded for Newcomb, he was at the forefront of the rebuilding effort and the first of many top arms added to the system. Now 23, he is the oldest of Atlanta’s top pitching prospects, but is still a work in progress in some respects. That’s not to say he is old by any stretch of the imagination. Though he will get a cursory look this spring as the Braves evaluate all their in-house rotation options for 2017, Newcomb appears bound for Gwinnett to open the season. If he picks up where he left off in 2016, he could be pitching in Atlanta before the summer is over.

3.) Kolby Allard | LHP | Age: 19 | Acquired: 1st Round (14th), 2015 | ETA: 2019

Atlanta landed a potential top overall pick when they selected Kolby Allard with their first selection in the draft two summers ago. Though a back ailment cost Allard much of his senior season at San Clemente High School in California, the Braves ultimately decided that the potential reward simply outweighed risk of passing on the chance to select the talented left-hander. After all, this was an opportunity to get a pitcher midway through the first round who would likely have been drafted in the top three before the injury concerns. Allard fell to Atlanta with the 14th pick in the draft and signed for $3 million. After minor surgery for a stress reaction in his back shortened his pro debut with the GCL last year, Allard’s front of the rotation stuff was on display in 2016.

The Braves held him back in the first half, but he went on to finish 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 25BB/95K in 87.2 IP across 16 starts between Danville and Rome. Allard didn’t stop there either, posting 12 shut-out frames in the playoffs as Rome won the South Atlantic League title. Like Soroka, Allard has tremendous mound presence, far beyond that of the average 19-year-old. He has the arsenal to give opposing lineups fits. Allard’s fastball sits in the low-90s and can run up to 94 mph with excellent movement. He pounds the bottom of the strike zone and utilizes a sharp curveball that is one of the best in the entire system. Add a changeup that has potential to become a plus pitch and Allard has all the makings of a front of the rotation starter. After proving himself healthy last season, he will head to the Florida State League in 2017.

2.) Ozzie Albies | 2B | Age: 20 | Acquired: Free Agent, 2013 | ETA: 2017

The pitching-rich Braves have a pair of middle infielders sitting atop their prospect hot sheet. Ozzie Albies has been a fast-riser since signing with Atlanta nearly four years ago for $350,000. The speedy Curacao native wasted little time establishing himself as one of the best contact hitters in the minor leagues. Despite being one of the youngest players in his league annually, Albies is a lifetime .310/.377/.419 hitter with 81 stolen bases in 293 games and even flashed some extra-base hit ability last season. He has rocketed through the ranks and accomplished all of this while never facing a pitcher younger than him in his minor league career. With an excellent blend of offensive and defensive skills to go along with a tremendous competitive spirit, it’s no wonder Albies has enjoyed success wherever he’s gone. It has him knocking on the door of the major leagues.

The Braves have not been hesitant to challenge Albies, whose gregarious nature helps him fit right into any clubhouse. He speaks four languages and has tremendous makeup as well, which certainly plays in his favor. Albies was the youngest player in the Double-A Southern League in 2016, where he won the batting title with a .321 average despite a stint in Triple-A in the middle of the season. Though he’s an excellent defensive shortstop, the Braves decided to go ahead and move Albies to second base last season and even paired him with Dansby Swanson upon his return to Mississippi. The club hopes that double play duo will be together for years to come. After an excellent all-around season, Albies suffered a bizarre injury in the Southern League playoffs when he fractured the olecranon bone in his right elbow on a swing. Though it ended his season and scuttled any thoughts of a September call-up, Albies is on schedule to be ready for the start of spring training. He will come to camp to compete for Atlanta’s second base job, but could begin the season with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he showed signs of figuring things out before dropping back down a level to play alongside Swanson. If his past is any indicator, it won’t be long until Albies is ready to make the jump to SunTrust Park.

1.) Dansby Swanson | SS | Age: 22 | Acquired: Trade with Arizona, 2015

The centerpiece of one of the best trades in franchise history, Dansby Swanson burst onto the scene in Atlanta last summer and showed why he has a chance to be a franchise fixture for years to come. Blessed with off the charts makeup and a well-rounded tool set, Swanson has drawn rave reviews for his all-around game from Braves executives. The local kid from nearby Marietta handled his call-up with the kind of grace and consistency the team expected, while establishing himself as an asset on a nightly basis. Swanson batted .302/.361/.442 with a 115 OPS+ in 38 games after making the jump from Double-A Mississippi to the majors just over a year after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft by Arizona. He did everything the club asked on the trek to the big leagues, opening the season with Carolina before an early promotion to Mississippi, where he batted .261 with eight homers and 45 RBI in 84 games.

Some were surprised initially that Swanson got the call, given that his minor league numbers don’t jump off the page. He put any concerns to rest relatively quickly, however, as he settled into the everyday shortstop job with Atlanta. Swanson was one of the catalysts for the Braves’ second half surge. After hitting just .236 in his first 15 games, he batted .351/.417/.568 over his final 23 contests and ended the season just two at-bats shy of surpassing rookie status. A contact hitter who can spray line drives all over the ballpark and possesses the ability to work counts, the Braves are likely to move Swanson up to the No. 2 spot in the batting order in 2017. Swanson is a standout player defensively as well. He displayed his quickness, range and arm strength throughout his major league orientation. As Braves president of baseball operations John Hart put it recently, “Swanson is a player whose overall game is better than the sum of the parts.” He does everything well, though he does not possess one stand-out tool. What Atlanta loves about Swanson is that he is a steady contributor with a winning mentality. In other words, the intangibles may be hard to quantify, but they give him a chance to be an All-Star player for years to come. That could begin in 2017 as the Braves move into SunTrust Park.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

Grant McAuley’s Braves Notebook for 12/27…

While many teams have their eye on Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, it does not appear the Braves are among the most aggressive in vying for his services. Trade speculation has swirled around Dozier, 29, who is coming off a career-best season in which he belted 42 home runs for a last place Minnesota club which lost 103 games in 2016. With plenty of power and an affordable contract, Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball provided an update of clubs in pursuit on Monday.

While it is not surprising that Atlanta, or any club for that matter, would place a call to inquire about Dozier, it does not mean any deals have been discussed. The prospect price would likely be rather high to provide an immediate power upgrade at a position where home runs are historically scarce. He was having a normal Brian Dozier season until the second half, when he batted .291/.344/.646 with 28 homers in 72 games. That is a pace that will be next to impossible to keep up. Realistically, interested clubs will be hoping he can at least approach the overall production he has posted the last two seasons.

Under control for two more seasons at just $15 million ($6 million in 2017 and $9 million in 2018), the Twins have a bargain player they can hold on to or a chip to cash in at the July trade deadline. Second basemen with a .278 ISO (second best in MLB last season) don’t grow on trees. In fact, few players of any position possess that kind of power production to be honest. Unfortunately for Minnesota, there are quite a few run producers still out on the free agent market this off-season. That provides clubs the option of laying down the money and retaining their young talent.

There is no question that Atlanta has the pieces to make a trade happen, but this kind of trade feels like a stretch for a team that is simply not one piece away, a fact John Coppolella is cognizant of and even mentioned amidst Atlanta’s rumored pursuit of an ace starting pitcher.  Lest we forget, the last time the Braves traded for a slugging second baseman who was a bit prone to the strikeout, it did not end well. Of course, a multi-year extension ultimately became the real albatross in that case. While that is a cautionary tale, Brian Dozier is not Dan Uggla and should not be viewed or treated as such by any team exploring a trade.

The latest round of Matt Wieters rumors…

Those come courtesy of Jim Bowden over at ESPN, who reported last week that Atlanta remains interested in the longtime Orioles catcher.

Matt Wieters remains a free agent in search of his next home. Baltimore recently signed Welington Castillo and has seemingly turned the page. The eight-year veteran has won a pair of gold glove awards and earned four trips to the All-Star game, but injuries have really taken a toll on his perceived value in the eyes of some. Wieters, 30, batted .243/.302/.409 with 17 home runs in 124 games for Baltimore last season. He has long been linked with the Braves given he played his college ball in Atlanta for Georgia Tech.

While certainly capable behind the plate, Wieters is not known for his pitch framing ability, a skill that has become increasingly popular with clubs over the past few years. Despite any and all shortcomings, however, his agent Scott Boras is known for his ability to market his clients’ services with a high degree of success. He will no doubt be seeking the best deal he can find for Wieters this winter. While a fit still appears unlikely, the Braves are likely to monitor this situation leading up to spring training:

Atlanta’s current catching situation appears to be heading into 2017 with same duo that closed out last season. Tyler Flowers enjoyed his best season offensively, while well-traveled Anthony Recker carved out a niche as a reserve in the second half. Club officials have said repeatedly that they are comfortable going into the season with Flowers and Recker as the catching tandem. Atlanta also added veteran back-up Tuffy Gosewich over the winter. While none of these are exciting names per se, it does not mean that the Braves should or would spend frivolously on Wieters to address their need. Unless the price falls into Atlanta’s proverbial comfort zone, it’s hard to imagine a union of any length with Wieters.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

The Atlanta Braves returned their focus to young talent following the 2014 season. The results have been astounding. Spending nearly two years stockpiling talent through the draft, trades and international signings, John Coppolella and company have rebuilt this prestigious system into perhaps the best in the game. In the second of this three-part series, I have ranked 10 more of Atlanta’s Top 30 prospects. With the No. 11-20 prospects, we begin finding players who could easily be in the Top 10 for numerous other organizations. And that’s not just lip service. Based on Atlanta’s collection of talent, however, we find these men right in the middle of my Top 30. Keep in mind, this is just my accounting of the Atlanta system, which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed putting it together. A new group of 10 will be released each Thursday between now and the end of the year, counting down from No. 30 to No. 1. Additionally, a new “Around The Big Leagues” podcast will accompany each part.

• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 1 (21-30)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 2 (11-20)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 3 (1-10)
• Braves Top Prospects: Honorable Mentions

 

 

20.) Patrick Weigel | RHP | Age: 22 | Acquired: 7th Round, 2015 | ETA: 2018

Despite being in a system heavy on pitching prospects, Patrick Weigel did not have to worry about getting lost in the shuffle in 2016. Quite the opposite happened to the lanky, hard-thrower as he went from off the radar to Double-A by season’s end. Weigel was named Atlanta’s organizational pitcher of the year after turning in an 11-6 campaign with a 2.47 ERA and 55BB/152K in 149.2 IP. Standing 6’6” and blessed with mid-90s heat that can approach 100 mph at times, Weigel seemed to put everything together last season after serving as a reliever with the University of Houston, his third collegiate stop. He improved his delivery as the year went on with repeatability being the main focus. He does an excellent job of keeping the ball in the park – 11 HR allowed in 201.1 IP in his career. More to the point, Weigel limits the number of base hits in general, yielding just 101 of those for a paltry .194 opponents average last season.

Winning that pitcher of the year award is high praise in an organization that has as much depth as the Braves do. Weigel finished second in the system in strikeouts and ERA while leading all Atlanta minor leaguers in innings pitched. He was arguably the best pitcher in a Rome rotation that was absolutely loaded with talent. He led the team in wins, ERA and strikeouts prior to skipping High-A and continuing his fine work for the Mississippi club. Command is still a work in progress at times, but Weigel boasts a four-pitch mix that includes an excellent fastball, a slider, a slow curve and a changeup. With that kind of arsenal, it’s no wonder he had South Atlantic League hitters all tied up. Given his age and the fact he got a taste of the Southern League last year, it makes sense for Weigel to skip High-A altogether and begin 2017 with Mississippi.

19.) Cristian Pache | OF | Age: 18 | Acquired: Free Agent, 2015 | ETA: 2020

Highlighting Atlanta’s 2015 signing class, Cristian Pache (along with Derian Cruz) signaled the Braves front office’s intention to be a player in the international market. Making his stateside debut a year after getting one of the largest international signing bonuses handed out by Atlanta ($1.4 million), Pache led the system with a .309 batting average (albeit in just 57 games) as he displayed his natural athleticism. Excellent speed and good instincts both in the outfield and on the bases are plusses for Pache, but like most 17-year-olds getting their first taste of pro ball, he still lacks real polish at the plate.

That said, Pache’s overall skills offer an excellent foundation upon which to build. Refining his swing is the first order of development, because he already has a solid approach at the plate. A native of the Dominican Republic, Pache was challenged with a promotion to Danville after enjoying immediate success in the Gulf Coast League, where he battled .283/.325/.377 with seven steals. He answered with even better results in the Appalachian League, finishing the year batting at a .333/.372/.404 clip in 30 games. While he could see more time with Danville, Pache might get the opportunity to show what he can do with Rome to begin 2017. If so, he would be one of the youngest players in the South Atlantic League.

18.) Anfernee Seymour | INF | Age: 21 | Acquired: Trade, 2016 | ETA: 2019

The Braves added some much-needed speed to the system when they traded for Marlins farmhand Anfernee Seymour last summer. A middle infielder who could eventually find his way into center field, top of the line wheels are the most exciting aspect of Seymour’s game. Not only does he steal bases, but he does so at a high rate of success – 80 percent in 104 career attempts. That comes thanks in part to some diligent work improving his jumps. Well, that and blazing speed. He batted .257/.296/.303 in 125 games between Greensboro and Rome last season, stealing 43 bases in 55 attempts. That low on-base percentage is the result of just 26 walks in 537 plate appearances and exacerbated by 118 strikeouts.

Seymour is originally from the Bahamas and moved to the states to play his high school ball in South Florida. He got an extra year at a Miami-area baseball academy, so he was nearly 19 when Miami took him in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Seymour made a pair of significant changes to begin his pro career. First, he switched from the outfield to shortstop. Second, the Marlins chose to develop him as a switch-hitter. Seymour is a natural right-handed hitter, but has made good progress from the left side. He is a slasher-style hitter who lacks any real power, but that shouldn’t negatively affect a player who will make a living with his legs. To do that, however, Seymour will have to find his way on base more, which starts with making more consistent contact and also includes working counts to draw more walks. He’ll get a crack at the Florida State League with the Fire Frogs in 2017.

17.) Rio Ruiz | 3B | Age: 22 | Acquired: Trade, 2015 | ETA: 2017

Acquired from Houston in the Evan Gattis trade, Atlanta was hoping to have added a potential third baseman of the future in Rio Ruiz. However, prolonged struggles at the Double-A level were assuaged only slightly by a solid final month of the 2015 season. Following that rocky debut in the organization, the Braves challenged Ruiz heading into last winter. Many, if not most, figured that a return to Mississippi was in order as Ruiz was sent home for the winter with the goal of dropping some weight and improving his approach. The results, however, exceeded expectation. Ruiz went to work and returned this past spring 25 lbs. lighter and ready to tackle what would come next – a somewhat aggressive promotion to Triple-A. Ruiz put some things together in 2016, so much so that he found himself in Atlanta by September.

Though a fast start gave way to some May struggles, Ruiz navigated his way through those to put together a respectable .271/.355/.401 line on the season with 10 homers and a team-high 62 RBI in 133 games for Gwinnett last year. That was a major improvement from the .229/.331/.318 campaign he posted with Mississippi in 2015. The power is there, though it may not necessary result in a high home run total annually. Ruiz is a good judge of the strikezone and that should allow him to work counts and find pitches to hit. He also improved his footwork and general play around the bag at third base last season. Ruiz is an adequate fielder who could develop into a productive hitter, but it is important to keep in mind that he was among the youngest players in Triple-A last season. Ruiz will get a look by the Braves this spring in big league camp, but a return to Gwinnett seems to be the most likely scenario. Heading into his age 22 season, that’s not necessarily a bad thing either.

16.) Alex Jackson | OF | Age: 21 | Acquired: Trade, 2016 | ETA: 2019

Adding former first round talents has been a staple of Atlanta’s rebuild, and they found another this winter by trading for former Mariners top pick Alex Jackson. One of the best prep bats available in the 2014 draft and perhaps recent memory, Jackson failed to impress Seattle in parts of three seasons in the system. The Mariners moved Jackson to the outfield upon selecting him sixth overall in 2014, but he was a catcher coming out of high school. The change was made in large part with the belief that his bat would develop faster if they removed the burden of trying to develop behind the plate as well. However, that did not produce the desired effect. Jackson has yet to advance beyond Low-A ball over the past two seasons, showing only modest improvement while dealing with some injury setbacks as well. The Mariners sent him to extended spring training to open 2016. That is a curious place to begin year three of one’s career as a former first round draft pick. After being sent that message, Jackson was eventually back with Clinton in the Midwest League, where he batted .243/.332/.408 with 32 extra-base hits (11 homers) and 34BB/103K in 92 games last season.

Perhaps a change of scenery will do Jackson some good. If he’s able to make continual improvements, he could very well develop into a middle of the order hitter for the Braves. His power is off the charts and is a product of excellent bat speed. Being overly aggressive has gotten Jackson into trouble in the early stages of his career, but the tools that made him such an exciting player in the draft just two years ago are still very much accounted for. Though he has worked diligently to become a solid right fielder, Atlanta may explore the possibility of moving Jackson back behind the plate if he is amenable to changing positions yet again. Some in the organization believe he has the necessary skills to become a power hitting catcher, something that is in relatively short supply in the majors. That move, should it happen, would likely play a part in deciding where Jackson is be assigned to open 2017. If he remains in the outfield, a stop in Rome is not out of the question, though his next challenge as a hitter awaits in the Florida State League.

15.) Kyle Muller | LHP | Age: 19 | Acquired: 2nd Round, 2016 | ETA: 2020

Atlanta selected a trio of prep pitchers with its first three picks of the 2016 draft, capping that group with big left-hander Kyle Muller. An impressive physical specimen, Muller has already filled out his 6’6” frame at 225 lbs. and was a noted slugger in his high school days at Jesuit College Prep in Dallas, TX. His work on the mound is what attracted the Braves, however. Muller set a national high school record by striking out 24 consecutive hitters over two games, including 18 in a row to open a 21-strikeout performance in the second contest. Along with a mid-90s fastball that has excellent movement, Muller also possesses a curveball and changeup, which he is working to refine.

Muller was committed to the University of Texas before signing with Atlanta for an above-slot deal of $2.5 million after being selected 44th overall last summer. Big and projectable, he is sound mechanically and earned his first opportunity as a professional in the Gulf Coast League. All he did there was tear off a string of dominant performances, posting a 0.65 ERA in 27.2 IP with just 14 hits allowed and 12BB/38K. After being touched up for three runs in his second appearance, Muller finished the season with 22 consecutive scoreless innings over his final eight outings. Along with Ian Anderson and Joey Wentz (more on him later), Muller appears ticketed for Rome in his first full season, where that trio could provide an encore for the 2016 rotation which helped capture a Sally League title.

14.) Dustin Peterson | OF | Age:  22 | Acquired: Trade, 2014 | ETA: 2017

Perhaps no hitter in the system did more to improve his stock than Mississippi outfielder Dustin Peterson. Awarded Organizational Player of the Year in 2016, Peterson took a big step forward in his development last season. In fact, he seemed to put it all together. The Braves acquired Peterson as part of the Justin Upton trade with San Diego in December of 2014. Originally a third baseman, Atlanta immediately moved Peterson to left field, a position he has found much more agreeable. After showing modest success despite being injured in the team bus crash with Carolina in 2015, Peterson really excelled in the Southern League last season. Batting .282/.343/.431 with 12 home runs and 38 doubles in 132 games, he led all Atlanta farmhands with 88 RBI and was second in both extra-base hits (52) and total bases (226) while setting career-highs across the board offensively.

One thing that may not be immediately evident when looking at Peterson’s career is that he has been one of the younger players in his league each season. He tallied just 18 plate appearances against pitchers younger than him in 2016, while playing his age 21 season at Double-A. Enjoying a little continuity as he settles into his regular defensive position, Peterson has been able to focus on making strides at the plate. He does not profile as a classic power hitter, but Peterson is quick to the ball and can barrel pitches with regularity. That should provide regular extra-base hit ability as he climbs the ranks. Still prone to the occasional swing and miss (100 strikeouts last season), Peterson has improved his pitch recognition annually. While his good play last season may have culminated in a September call-up some years, Atlanta’s outfield became rather crowded with the addition of Matt Kemp and remains locked down heading into 2017. Peterson will get a chance to test his wares against Triple-A pitching in 2017.

13.) Travis Demeritte | 2B | Age: 22 | Acquired: Trade, 2016 | ETA: 2018

Just as Anfernee Seymour brought some speed to the system, trading for Travis Demeritte injected some much-needed power into Atlanta’s minor league ranks. One of the more intriguing trades by John Coppolella over the past two years, the Braves sent veteran journeyman starter Lucas Harrell and recent waiver-claim reliever Dario Alvarez to Texas in exchange for Demeritte. A middle infielder with plus power, the righty-hitting Demeritte put together a strong season in 2016 and then followed it up with an encore performance in the Arizona Fall League as he subbed in for an injured Ozzie Albies. Though he may have to change positions at some point on his trek to Atlanta, Demeritte’s power will play anywhere. The Braves were happy to get a Georgia kid who was, you guessed it, a former first round selection in 2013. Demeritte played his high school ball in nearby Winder, GA, and is excited about the chance to play closer to home as he sets his sights on Atlanta in the coming years.

Beginning in the hitter-friendly California League, Demeritte clocked 28 home runs last season while batting .266/.361/.554. The one big concern has been the strikeouts. He had 175 of those in 455 at-bats last season and has struck out 40 percent of the time in his minor league career. That aside, Demeritte is emerging as an excellent defensive second baseman who has experience at both shortstop and third base. He is also an excellent baserunner and stole 17 bases in 21 attempts in 2016. Demeritte’s strong season earned him a spot in the Futures Game during the All-Star festivities in San Diego, where he teamed as one half of a double play combo with Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson for the United States. All has not been grand for Demeritte on his ascent through the minors, however. He was suspended for 80 games in 2015 for a banned substance. Over a year removed from that and with a strong 2016 season under his belt, Demeritte will head to Mississippi this year.

12.) Ronald Acuña | OF | Age: 19 | Acquired: Free Agent, 2014 | ETA: 2020

Perhaps no single player in the organization elicits as much excitement as outfielder Ronald Acuña. While the possibilities and potential are truly fascinating, the real shame of 2016 was that he was sidelined for a large portion of the season. Robbed of three months’ worth of playing time thanks to a thumb injury he suffered during a slide in May, Acuña returned to help Rome win the South Atlantic League Championship. He finished a truncated season with a .311/.387/.432 line with four homers, 18 RBI, 14 steals and 27 runs scored in 40 games. Acuña has made up for some of that lost time with a successful stint in the Australian Baseball League this winter. Through 20 games, he has slashed .375/.446/.555 with 13 RBI and 13 SB. Signed out of Venezuela in 2014 for just $100,000, Acuña may be the biggest bargain in the entire Atlanta system. The real fun will be watching him develop and seeing just how quickly it happens.

Acuña has all the tools to be a terrific, well-rounded player. His on-base skills are bolstered by a keen eye that has allowed him to be aggressive when the time is right. In other words, he is looking to hit but knows when to take his walks. That approach lays the foundation for Acuña to become a productive hitter. With a combination of power and speed, he should make an impact in any league. He runs well and will steal his fair share of bases, while using that speed to patrol center field with relative ease. With his body still developing, Acuña’s raw power could eventually allow him to become a home run threat as well. If that happens, the Braves will have a super-prospect on their hands. Throw in his above average work defensively and you have all the makings of a special player.  Acuña could easily jump into my Top 10 in short order. In fact, my respected peers over at Talking Chop ranked him as the No. 2 prospect in the system. While he could rise quickly in the rankings with a big year, Acuña has played just 97 games thus far in his young career. I find myself wanting to see what a full season could do for him. Acuña will head to Florida and the Fire Frogs in 2017, but may have one last stop at Rome prior to that.

11.) Joey Wentz | LHP | Age: 19 | Acquired:  1st Round, 2016 | ETA: 2020

There is a case to be made that Joey Wentz may have been the best prep left-hander available in the draft last summer. The Braves were certainly overjoyed when he fell to them with the 40th pick in last June’s draft. Like Kyle Muller, who was selected a few picks later, Wentz showed promise with the bat, but excelled on the mound. Drawing comparisons to Rangers lefty Cole Hamels, the Braves executed a draft strategy that allowed them sign Wentz away from the University of Virginia with a $3 million bonus, nearly twice the slot value for the 40th selection ($1.6 million). As mentioned earlier, Muller also received an over-slot deal. Atlanta was able to sign this duo by agreeing to an under-slot deal with the No. 3 overall pick, Ian Anderson. Financial components aside, the talent is what generates the most excitement. Before we get to that, though, there’s an interesting side note about Atlanta’s selection of Wentz. That competitive balance pick was acquired in the up to now ill-fated Hector Olivera trade of 2015. It was that three-way deal with the Dodgers and Marlins which netted the Braves the 40th overall selection by way of Miami. That means Wentz may well be the saving grace of a trade in which he was only indirectly involved.

Turning their attention in the draft to the higher risk arena of prep arms, Atlanta believes it has identified ones that will yield a big reward. Wentz took a break from pitching after feeling the effects of a dead arm in his junior year, but through conditioning and a throwing program he returned to the mound even better than before. He flashed all-around plus potential during his senior season at Shawnee Mission East High School in Kansas, where he was 9-0 and did not allow a single run in 51.1 IP while piling up 104 strikeouts. In fact, he opened the season with 26 no-hit innings. Wentz has a fastball with excellent movement that sits in the low-90s and has reached 95. He works off that with a curveball and changeup, a pair of pitches that could be plus offerings as he develops. Already 6’5” and 210 lbs., Wentz is another projectable type who is well-equipped to succeed. Wentz made his pro debut last summer with the Gulf Coast League and later moved up to Danville, turning in a 3.68 ERA in 44 IP across 12 starts. He allowed just 34 hits and no home runs, but walked 25 men while striking out 53. His results in the Appalachian League were a little rougher, but were skewed by a bad start in his Danville debut. Wentz will likely team with Anderson and Muller in a restocked Rome Braves rotation that will be one to watch in 2017.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.

The Atlanta Braves returned their focus to young talent following the 2014 season. The results have been astounding. Spending nearly two years stockpiling talent through the draft, trades and international signings, John Coppolella and company have rebuilt this prestigious system into perhaps the best in the game. In the first of this three-part series, I have ranked 10 of Atlanta’s Top 30 prospects. A new group of 10 will be released each Thursday between now and the end of the year, counting down from No. 30 to No. 1. Additionally, a new “Around The Big Leagues” podcast will accompany each part. Keep in mind, this is just my accounting of the Atlanta system, which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 1 (21-30)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 2 (11-20)
• Braves Top 30 Prospects: Part 3 (1-10)
• Braves Top Prospects: Honorable Mentions

 

 

 

 

No. 30 – Braxton Davidson (Photo by Grant McAuley)

30. Braxton Davidson | OF | Age: 20 | Acquired: 1st Round, 2014 | ETA: 2019

Atlanta was hoping Braxton Davidson would be a productive corner outfielder when they selected him with the 32nd pick in the first round back in 2014 out of T.C. Roberson HS in Asheville, NC. That goal remains well within the realm of possibility, but Davidson is still honing his approach as he heads into his third full season in the organization. For the second consecutive season, he led all Braves minor leaguers in walks, but many talent evaluators believe Davidson could actually be taking a few too many pitches. He has posted a .366 on-base percentage through his first 300 games despite batting just .232 thus far.

While he has a patient approach, Davidson has been plagued by contact issues. His 184 strikeouts in 2016 were far and away the most by any player in the system, marking the second straight season that he held that dubious distinction. While his power is evident in batting practice, it has yet to translate regularly into game action. That is something that should start to manifest when and if he adopts a more aggressive approach in order to take advantage of hitter’s counts. Davidson batted just .224/.344/.360 with 10 home runs in 516 plate appearances last season and could find himself back in High-A to start the 2017. That would give him a chance to hone his skills a bit more before thrusting him into the upper levels of the system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29. Lucas Herbert | C | Age: 20 | Acquired: 2nd Round, 2015 | ETA: 2020

Lucas Herbert has a chance to stand out at a position that has been among the thinnest in the organization in recent years. An athletic backstop with good catch-and-throw skills, Herbert has yet to find any real consistency since signing with Atlanta. A torn meniscus limited him to just three games in his rookie league pro debut. Assigned to full season ball with Rome in 2016, Herbert was unable to get going at the plate. He batted just .185/.234/.278 with six home runs while striking out 96 times in 335 at-bats.

The high school teammate of Atlanta’s 2015 1st rounder, Kolby Allard, at San Clemente High School in California, Herbert had committed UCLA before the Braves selected him 54th overall in 2015. Herbert was praised for his ability to frame pitches and work with a staff, earning the opportunity to call his own games as a high school catcher. Working with one of the best young staffs in the minors last season, Herbert was lauded by his batterymates for his all around game, communication and ability to help execute the game plan.  Herbert threw out 34 percent of would-be base stealers last season, so he is efficient against the run. Like any young catcher, he’s still polishing some of his skills behind the plate, however. Injury and inconsistent offense have marked the early days of his pro career, but Herbert has both the skillset and the makeup to overcome those setbacks. He will likely see more time with Rome to begin 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28. Jeremy Walker | RHP | Age: 21 | Acquired: 5th Round, 2016 | ETA: 2018

As the Braves loaded up on pitching last summer, it’s easy for Jeremy Walker’s name to get lost in the shuffle. A college arm out of Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, he was a touch older than the prep arms Atlanta had targeted in the early rounds of the draft. The sheer number of starting pitching prospects could eventually lead to a transition from the rotation to the bullpen, but Walker has the arsenal to compete as a starter. The Braves were attracted to his four-pitch mix that includes a fastball typically clocked in the low-90s, a changeup and both a slider and curveball.

Walker improved his command as he filled out his 6’5″ frame during his three years at Gardner-Webb. And he rolled that right into a successful debut in pro-ball. Making 13 appearances (five starts) with Danville, Walker turned in a 3.18 ERA with 8BB/37K in 39.2 IP. He will need to maintain his mechanics and continue to miss bats in order to have success as he climbs the ladder. That said, Walker’s work ethic and control of the strikezone should both help him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27. Akeel Morris | RHP | Age: 24 | Acquired: Trade with Mets, 2016 | ETA: 2017

The Braves have made a regular thing out of trading Kelly Johnson to the New York Mets the past two seasons, a trend that continued with the acquisition of Akeel Morris in 2016. Originally a 10th round pick by New York in 2010, Morris has enjoyed success since moving to the bullpen full-time in 2013. While he has yet to pitch above the Double-A level, the Mets gave him a taste of the big leagues in 2015. The surprise promotion resulted five earned runs over just two-thirds of an inning against the powerful Blue Jays lineup. That speed bump aside, Morris has a unique pitching motion and great stuff, which has translated into big time strikeout ability. He profiles nicely as a potential piece in the Atlanta bullpen.

Morris has averaged over 12 strikeouts per nine innings pitched in 338.2 IP in the minors, including 12.7 K/9 in two Double-A stops last season. Overall, he was 5-3 with a 3.25 ERA and 37BB/86K over 61 IP in 2016. A native of the U. S. Virgin Islands, Morris is one of just 14 players from his homeland to make it to the major leagues. Along with a mid-90s fastball and quality changeup, Morris continues to refine his slider. That mix has been extremely effective throughout his minor league career, which will probably include a stop with Triple-A Gwinnett this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26. Bryse Wilson | RHP | Age: 19 | Acquired: 4th Round, 2016 | ETA: 2020

Another of Atlanta’s high school arms from the 2016 draft class, Bryse Wilson piqued the Braves interest out of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC, where he was one of the state’s top prep draft prospects. Already filled out at 6’1″ and 225 pounds, Wilson has a fastball that has touched 96 mph. The Braves will now seek to add to and refine his secondary offerings, beginning with a changeup. Wilson’s high school career was impressive, including three no-hitters and a seven inning perfect game. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also a standout two-way star in football.

Though originally headed to play baseball at the University of North Carolina, Wilson signed with the Braves instead and sparkled in his professional debut. He posted a 0.67 ERA in 26.2 IP with 8BB/29K and limited opponents to just a .172 batting average for Danville. Arm talent is Wilson’s calling card right now, but if he can improve his slider and add an effective off-speed pitch, he could quickly grow into one of the top arms in the system. Should that not happen, a move to the bullpen could open up another set of doors for him. That, however, is a discussion for much further down the road. It’s also worth noting, if this baseball thing doesn’t work out, Wilson has football to fall back on.

 

25. Ricardo Sanchez | LHP | Age: 19 | Acquired: Trade with Angels | ETA: 2019

An early building block in Atlanta’s rebuild, lefty Ricardo Sanchez was gleaned from the Los Angeles Angels nearly two years ago. Only 17 years old at the time of that trade, the Venezuela native had signed for $580,000 in 2013 and quickly climbed near the top of the Angels’ prospect list. This was one of the first examples of the Braves targeting high-upside talent to replenish a farm system that was in desperate need as recently as 2014. As a young player, he’s had to learn through trial and error when it comes to adjusting to life as a professional ballplayer. Instilling proper conditioning and fostering his work ethic were points of emphasis for Atlanta after Sanchez made just 10 starts in 2015. With a slight build of 5’11″ and 170 lbs, durability is a question that has to be answered as Sanchez progresses.

Along with a low-90s fastball that can reach 94 mph, Sanchez also features a curveball that is a swing and miss pitch. Carrying that velocity into the latter innings of his starts has not always been the case, however. Sanchez has spent all of his time in the organization with Rome, making 33 starts over the past two seasons. He was part of the vaunted rotation that helped lead Rome to a South Atlantic League title in 2016. At first glance, his 2016 numbers don’t impress. Sanchez finished just 7-10 with a 4.75 ERA in 119.1 IP with 54BB/103K, but he seemed to find himself as the year wore on. Beginning with his July 1 start against Lexington in which he struck out a career-high 11 batters and going on a run through the end of the season, Sanchez posted a 3.48 ERA in his final 12 outings. He cut his home runs allowed to just six and struck out 60 batters over 64.2 innings. He should move up to High-A and the more pitcher-friendly Florida State League.

 

24. Lucas Sims | RHP | Age: 22 | Acquired: 1st Round (21st), 2012 | ETA: 2017

No current name has been on the Braves prospect hot sheet longer than Lucas Sims, the local boy from Brookwood High School in Snellville, GA, with a big right arm. Sims was dominant last season at Double-A Mississippi, but did not enjoy the same success upon his promotion to Gwinnett. Once at or near the top of the list when it came to Atlanta’s top prospects for five years, Sims has been joined in the system by countless arms and new talent in general over the past two seasons. Make no mistake, though he has slid precipitously in the rankings on this list and others, he still possesses the potential to be a very special pitcher.

Consistency is key for Sims, especially with his breaking ball. Command is just about the only thing that is holding him back. He has worked on his mechanics, reverting to more of his high school delivery after making some changes upon turning pro. Repeating those mechanics has been the real challenge. When he’s on, Sims utilizes his mid-90s fastball and an excellent curveball to carve up hitters. It’s a great combination, one so good that leaves the bullpen as a possibility down the line. However, if his changeup develops into at least a major league average pitch, he could remain in rotation. He’ll get another taste of Triple-A in 2017, where the inability to limit base runners and control the damage were his undoing in the International League. If he enjoys better results, it will be interesting to see what develops and what it means for his long term role.

 

23. Brett Cumberland | C | Age: 21 | Acquired: 2nd Round, 2016 | ETA: 2018

After stockpiling arms in the early rounds of the draft last summer, Brett Cumberland was the first bat off the board for Atlanta. A switch-hitting catcher with power out of the University of California, Berkeley, Cumberland had mixed results in his pro debut, but the skillset is tantalizing. He does not jump off the page defensively, but is at least adequate in most respects. Atlanta is confident that he’ll be able to remain behind the plate. That means he’ll have to put in the time to improve everything from his receiving to his footwork to his catch-and-throw skills. If he cannot stick at catcher, left field is certainly a possibility because the bat should play.

Where Cumberland really stands out is at the plate. He displayed the ability to work counts and find pitches to drive at the collegiate level. He flashed some of those qualities with Danville last summer, collecting 14 extra-base hits (three home runs) and driving in 30 runs in just 45 games. His slash line of .216/.317/.340 leaves something to be desired, but the ability to make an impact is easy to see. A middle of the order bat for Cal, Cumberland will likely be tasked with the same responsibilities as he climbs through the system. A winter to rest up and get ready for a full-season ball will probably benefit Cumberland, who is likely to at least begin 2017 with Rome. With some early success, a quick promotion to High-A would probably follow.

 

22. Derian Cruz | SS | Age: 18 | Acquired: Free agent, 2015 | ETA: 2020

One of Atlanta’s big international signings in 2015, Derian Cruz is another intriguing middle infield prospect in the organization. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Cruz was one of the top prospects available in the 2015 signing class and received $2 million from the Braves. An athletic, switch-hitting shortstop who possesses excellent speed, Cruz began his career with a nice showing in the Gulf Coast League last summer. After enjoying immediate success in the GCL, Cruz found the sledding to be a little bit tougher with Danville. Despite less than stellar numbers there, the overall toolset makes Cruz a player who could rise quickly once he makes adjustments.

It’s worth noting that 2016 was his first taste of pro ball and it came at just 17 years old. Cruz is far from a finished product. While he is a switch-hitter, Cruz struggled left-handed, evidenced by his .164/.176/.274 line against righties in Appalachian League. That sample size is obviously small and should essentially be taken with a grain of salt for a young player making his pro debut. With more work and regular coaching, Cruz should show improvement as he develops. He has the talent and the speed to become an impact player, though questions about his arm strength lead some to wonder if he may end up at second base or in the outfield.

 

21. A.J. Minter | LHP | Age: 23 | Acquired: 2nd Round, 2015 | ETA: 2017

Perhaps no other relief prospect since Craig Kimbrel has generated as much buzz in Braves circles as A.J. Minter. The Texas A&M product was back from Tommy John surgery with a vengeance in 2016, wiping out opposing hitters with a nasty fastball-slider combo that had top team executives mentioning his name throughout the summer. Atlanta opted to take Minter with the 75th pick in the June draft two years ago despite the arm injury and he rewarded them for their patience last summer.

Minter sits in the mid-90s and can also rely on a cut fastball a few ticks off that. He backs up that velocity with an excellent slider, a weapon that helped him post 12.2 K/9 in 34.2 IP last season. Minter could have been a first rounder were it not for the arm injury and obviously Atlanta thought enough of him to spend a top pick on him anyway. He was eased back in to action last season, posting a 1.30 ERA across three levels, ending the season in Double-A. The one caveat, however, is that he has yet to throw on consecutive days, something relievers are routinely asked to do. As the Braves remove that restriction this season, it’s possible Minter could begin 2017 with Mississippi and see a relatively quick promotion to Gwinnett. If he has a good showing in the spring, Minter could be ticketed for Atlanta sooner than later.

Grant McAuley covers the Braves and MLB for 92-9 The Game. You can subscribe to the “Around The Big Leagues” podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Follow Grant on Twitter.