Young Braves Recognized by Baseball Prospectus

Mar 2, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) works out prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

(Andrelton Simmons is considered the most talented 25U Braves)

Jason Parks and the prospect staff of Baseball Prospectus compiled a list of the top young talent in the MLB, those under the age of 25. The link to the free article can be found here. The Braves came in at #3 overall, behind the Cardinals and Nationals.

(Of note, the top 5 teams are all NL teams, 3 in the NL East, 2 in the Central).

The order that the top five Braves best players are listed in, with which I am in complete agreement, is Andrelton Simmons, Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Julio Teheran, Craig Kimbrel (who is now 25). Others of note who made the top 10 are Alex Wood and Christian Bethancourt, who may join his former AA teammate in the majors this season.

Baseball Prospectus prospect guru (and Talking Chop writer) Ethan Purser adds:

"Though the farm system is much weaker than in previous seasons, the Braves’ U25 talent rivals that of any organization, with homegrown players who have matured into quality major-league regulars. The (U25) list hosts a good blend of mature, everyday major leaguers, prospects ready to contribute in 2014, and high-ceiling youngsters who could impact the franchise down the road. (Baseball Prospectus)."

While we have certainly lamented the state of our farm system for several years now, we do have some projectable talent, as well as a slew of young talented players already at the major league level who will only continue to get better. With the Braves being ranked as the 3rd best “young” team in the MLB, we should have great hope for our team’s future.