Atlanta Braves prospects: Previewing the Untouchables

Hot Stove season is among us, and that means trades. IF the Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves do decide to dive into the trade market this offseason, it probably means dealing away prospects for a Major League player of value. With dealing prospects comes the understanding that you just can NOT trade a select few.

The Atlanta Braves took on a significant amount of salary in the Matt Kemp trade, so competing in 2018 may be a long shot (unless Liberty Media is willing to spend we’re aware of, which may very well be the case), but that doesn’t mean the Braves can’t prepare early for contention in 2019 by grabbing a key piece or two.

While getting a top-of-the-rotation starter like Chris Archer or Marcus Stroman would make Braves fans ecstatic, what we don’t want Alex Anthopoulos to do is trade away prospects that this rebuild has been focused on.

Everyone has their own list of ‘untouchable prospects’. The general consensus is that Ronald Acuña will not be traded, and there’s no need to elaborate there.

Aside from our beloved Ronnie Baseball, here are my five untouchable Atlanta Braves prospects:

1. Luiz Gohara – SP

Luiz Gohara is special, for sure. The 21-year-old lefty just can’t stop drawing comparisons to C.C. Sabathia, and I’m honestly starting to believe he’s some sort of overlapping Sabathia reincarnation. Gohara has been known to touch the high-90’s with his fastball in the late innings of games, and his slider is a force to be reckoned with.

Even in just his age-21 season, Luiz Gohara could emerge as the Braves’ number-three starter. Trading Gohara this offseason would not only leave a hole in Atlanta’s rotation, but would do away with potentially one of the best arms (and steals) of the entire rebuild.

2. Bryse Wilson – SP

This one’s a personal choice. Bryse Wilson has been praised early by scouts for his “bulldog mentality” and solid frame, and quite frankly, I’ve fallen in love with him. Through 163.2 innings between rookie and A-ball, Wilson has seemingly cruised to a 2.20 ERA and 1.014 WHIP. A 2.4 BB/9 as a 19-year-old in Rome is nothing to frown at, either.

There’s everything to love and nothing to hate about Bryse Wilson. He’s already dominating at a young age, and will only get better with time. I can see him making his MLB debut sometime mid-to-late 2019, and when he does, get ready, Braves fans.

3. Austin Riley – 3B

For now, at least, Austin Riley is the Atlanta Braves’ third baseman of the future. You can drool over Johan Camargo all you want, but he’ll be traded within the next two years. Since his mid-season promotion to AA, Riley’s been a different kind of player, and he made an even better impression with Braves fans by raking his way towards a dazzling 1.021 OPS in the Arizona Fall League.

Until he gives the front office a reason to think otherwise, Riley will cruise into the opportunity to be the Atlanta Braves’ starting third baseman whenever he’s deemed ready. Expect Austin Riley to be a top-five ranked prospect within the organization by mid-2018, and don’t be surprised if we get a glimpse of him next September.

4. Mike Soroka – SP

If I’m creating a pitcher in a baseball video game, I would create Mike Soroka. He’s the most well-rounded pitcher in the Braves’ organization, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world. His 6-foot-5, 225lb frame at just 20 years-old projects nicely, especially when taking into consideration his dominance at the AA level at 19 years-old.

Dear Alex Anthopoulos,

If you trade Mike Soroka, I will write a strongly-worded letter to you that you will probably never read. I will also be very, very sad.

Sincerely,

A concerned blogger.

5. Cristian Pache – OF

Imagine if Yasiel Puig would have signed with an MLB team at 16 years-old. That is essentially Cristian Pache. Pache was 18 for the entirety of the 2017 season, and he still hasn’t filled out his 6-foot-2 frame, but a .281/.335/.343 slash line with 21 extra-base hits and 32 stolen bases over the course of a full season in Rome (119 G) is extremely encouraging.

I’m convinced that Pache’s power will come around, but even if it doesn’t the kid hit eight triples (!!!) in 2017. Pache’s 70-grade speed will play well in Atlanta’s outfield, as well as on the bases. If he only adds 15-20lbs of muscle, then so be it. Cristian Pache’s upside is still tremendous.

Next: Happy Birthday, Ronald Acuña!

Everyone’s ‘untouchable’ list is different. While mine might overlap with yours in some areas, we’re certainly liable to disagree in others. Aside from Acuña, of course, who are your untouchables?