Atlanta Braves Late-Season Prospect Reports: New News

Aug 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Matt Wisler (37) delivers a pitch to a New York Yankees batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Wisler

The Good:

Wisler was acquired in the Craig Kimbrel deal just before opening day, and he immediately jumped to the top of my personal Braves list. Wisler is a pitcher I’ve coveted for some time who may not have received the attention on prospect lists that he deserved. Because he has such a high floor, I think many assumed he also had a low ceiling, but when I see Wisler, I see a pre-injury Brandon Webb, and that’s a very elite pitcher if he can get to that level.

Wisler may not have received as much notice as he should have this year either, as he put up a 4.29 ERA in AAA this year before his call up, but he was plagued by poor defense behind him in many starts I witnessed, and that’s evidenced by his 3.31 FIP in AAA. He’s built on that success in the major leagues since he was called up, with a similar strikeout rate that has been 17.2% at the major league level, which is more than adequate, and his walk rate has been at 7.4% in the majors, which is actually a pretty significant tick up from his 4.8% in Gwinnett.

The Not So Good:

It’s really hard to find something to get upset with on Wisler’s performance for the Braves this year. He does pitch to contact, which will likely mean he’s never going to be a tremendously low WHIP guy due to contact being made, but he’s certainly pitching in front of the right infield defense as the Braves could argue for MLB’s best defensive infield when Freddie Freeman is healthy. The only knock I had on Wisler in my viewing of him was a tendency to pay little attention to the run game, but that’s certainly something that a few throws to first can help with.

The Stats:

• AAA:  65 inns, 4.29 ERA, 6.78 K/9, 1.80 BB/9, 1.25 WHIP, 3.30 FIP, .307 BABIP, .277 BAA
• Majors: 71 inns, 5.22 ERA, 5.73 K/9, 3.44 BB/9, 1.57 WHIP, 5.29 FIP, .313 BABIP, .293 BAA

TRENDING:

Wisler should be in Atlanta to stay for the year, and it will be exciting to see how he progresses as a Brave.  In fact, we’ll hang the graduates cap on him, as his innings count effectively removes him from the prospects list regardless.  You might argue with the numbers, but it’s pretty hard not to pin an “Up” arrow on somebody who has reached the majors and stayed… particularly at this age.

Next: Nearly Perfect