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Tomahawk Take’s Top 20 Atlanta Braves Prospects: #10-6

By Benjamin Chase

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Sep 17, 2014; Toledo, OH, USA; General view of an obstacle made out of baseball bats as the Fifth Third Field outfield is transformed into a mini-golf course. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2014; Toledo, OH, USA; General view of an obstacle made out of baseball bats as the Fifth Third Field outfield is transformed into a mini-golf course. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Austin Riley

– by Brandon Woodworth, Tomahawk Take Staff Writer

Who He Is

Austin Riley was a slightly controversial draft choice by the Braves in last summers draft. He was chosen 41st overall in the supplemental round, and many assumed it would be as a pitcher, as his big arm had gained some attention from scouts. But the Braves turned us who were slightly worried about drafting another pitcher right on our heads as he was immediately assigned to play third base after signing. He’s a 6’3′, 230lb product of Desoto Central High in Southaven, Mississippi, though he had leaned down significantly by the time he reported to the Braves.

His 2015

Riley’s 2015 quickly turned from a normal 18 year old getting his first crack at professional baseball to a “could we have struck gold here?” story for fans. After hitting a solid .255/.331/.500 with 7 homers in 121 plate appearances in the Gulf Coast league, Austin was on his way to Danville to continue his quest to put baseballs over fences. After he arrived in Florida, he raked to a .351/.443/.586 slash line with 5 more homers in 131 plate appearances. This left a big impressions on fans as well as scouts, as MLB.com has recently ranked him as number 6 in overall third base prospects in the game. And with guys like Joey Gallo and Brandon Drury ready to break into the bigs full time, another strong season could see Riley even higher this time next year.

2016 Projection and Future

Being just 18 years old with only 60 professional games under his belt, there is no reason to rush Riley or set your expectations unreasonably high. He will likely return to Danville to start the season, with a promotion to single A surely to come sooner than later. 2016 will be a year of establishing 2 fundamental things: Is Riley more than a home run hitter, and is he a third baseman long term? Nobody doubts the arm on this guy, and some think with his cannon and athleticism that he could transfer to a corner outfield spot rather well. But at the same time, 2016 is the year for him to take that athleticism and show off everything he can at the hot corner.

Next: Prospect Number 7

I expect a similar showing next season to that of his Gulf Coast stats: a .245-.260 batting average with a solid walk rate and 20+ homers. In a way, it will look like a regression, but he’ll likely just be enduring the same growing pains every power hitter does. And if he improves his play in the field, we should be really happy with the future at third base in Atlanta.

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