Atlanta Braves Outfield – Who to Watch in Spring Training
The Atlanta Braves have a very promising young core of outfielders on their way to the big leagues. By the time 2019 rolls around, we’ll probably see only one familiar face in Ender Inciarte left, hopefully.
We all know who Ronald Acuna is and where he sits in all of the MLB prospect rankings. If you don’t, then it’s probably time to crawl out from under your rock.
However, with the recent revelation that Acuna begins the 2018 season in AAA-Gwinnett, Atlanta will kick off the season with four outfielders. Ender Inciarte, Nick Markakis, and an assumed platoon of Lane Adams and Preston Tucker in left field will be the group that opens the year on the 25 man roster.
That will change quickly.
Besides Acuna, Triple-A houses Jaff Decker, Dustin Peterson, Danny Santana, and Christian Pache, all non-Roster Invitees, have a shot at seeing some, albeit little, MLB time.
Interesting to note here is that of all of the NRI’s, Pache is coming to his first MLB Spring Training after playing last year in Low-A Rome. He will be one to definitely watch this spring.
The other 3 of the other 4 outfielders were all on AAA rosters last season. Jaff Decker has been up and down between AAA and MLB since 2013 with teams including San Diego, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Oakland.
The Acuna Accension
Ronald Acuna will exhaust his Rookie limits in 2018, at least, he should. I have no doubt Acuna will have an inspiring and very promising 2018 spring training. He will, though, begin the year in Gwinnett.
His call up will follow the likes of what the Cubs did with Kris Bryant. In order to ensure a seventh year of control, the Braves will keep Acuna in AAA for 2-4 weeks. He should be with Atlanta by May.
Unfortunately, when that happens, someone will have to be removed, unless, of course, someone goes on the DL. If no one is placed on the DL, look for one of Lane Adams, Preston Tucker, Rio Ruiz, or Danny Santana to find their way to Gwinnett.
The Usual Suspects
Jaff Decker is the new face in town. Coming from the Oakland organization, Decker spent 2017 between Oakland and Nashville (Nashville is Oakland’s AAA affiliate). I don’t figure Decker to be in the mix much and look for him to be an early departure from the MLB camp this spring.
Dustin Peterson could be the wild card in all of this. I believe he’ll hang around for a while in spring and be one of the last cuts in spring. BUT, don’t be surprised if he breaks camp with the Braves, either.
Peterson had a very solid 2016 with Mississippi, where he hit 12 home runs, drove in 88 runs, 38 doubles, and 2 triples. He slashed .282/.343/.431/.774., not horribly bad, but not incredibly good, either.
Peterson only played in 87 games for Gwinnett in 2017 and took a couple of steps back in the statistical categories. It will be interesting to see how he responds in 2018.
I’ll refrain from the Danny Santana discussion. If you watched last year at all, you’re well aware of Santana’s abilities.
The Christian Pache Project
Above all of this, though, lies the introduction of Christian Pache to the Atlanta fans. If you follow the Braves minor league system, you’re very aware of who this kid is. While I doubt he breaks camp on the opening day roster, he most likely does not return to Rome.
Christian Pache is the real deal. He lacks power right now offensively, but I expect him to grow into that and make big strides in that department this year. His overwhelming tool right now, is his glove.
Watch for Pache to wow you with his defensive abilities over and over again. I think he hangs around MLB camp for a while, but ultimately is placed on Mississippi’s roster to start 2018.
The Final Cut
After all the dust settles, here’s how I think the Outfield Shakes out.
Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis are a given. I think Lane Adams is also a lock to break camp out of spring training. The question comes in the form of who fills the 4th outfield spot. Preston Tucker is not a shoe-in.
I think it comes down to how well Dustin Peterson does and if Danny Santana has a ho-hum spring. Santana is on a minor league deal,so his spot is not promised at the MLB level. That’s why I believe Peterson looms as the wild-card in all of this. I believe there is a real possibility he lands on the 25-man.
Next: Setting the Bar High ... Albies Goals for 2018
So my 2018 Opening Day outfield is:
Inciarte, Markakis, Adams, and either Peterson/Santana/Tucker.
Let us know what you think.