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Atlanta Braves Top 100 Prospects: #44 Luis Valenzuela

By Benjamin Chase

Feb 29, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb (not picture) shoes and glove rest on the ground during spring training workouts at ESPN
Feb 29, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Sean Newcomb (not picture) shoes and glove rest on the ground during spring training workouts at ESPN /
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Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Brave pitchers report to the field during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Brave pitchers report to the field during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Luis Valenzuela 2016 Outlook

Valenzuela was a late sign and got derailed with his suspension, but he’s impressed everywhere he’s played along the way. The Braves just may have got themselves a steal in their deal last August with their former employee, Dayton Moore. He could be someone to work to third base, a position without much depth in the Atlanta Braves system.

Next: Braves Top 100 Prospects Updated

Valenzuela is most likely a utility infielder long-term, but he could definitely grow into more with his contact skills. He’s got intriguing potential considering his limited experience at 22. Certainly a fun wild card to watch going forward. I would wager he’ll end up at high-A Carolina to start 2016, likely working behind Omar Obregon and Ozhaino Albies up the middle, and perhaps also getting some time at third. He could get 3-4 starts a week among those three positions and possibly play some outfield as well. If he can continue producing on offense, he’ll work his way quickly up to the big leagues in that utility role.

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