BOSTON, MA - JUNE 24: A glove and the rosin bag sit on the mound before the interleague game between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park on June 23, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA. – MAY 19: Dansby Swansson #7, Ozzie Albbies #1, Ronald Accuna, Jr. #13, Johan Cammargo #17, and Ender Incciarte #11 of the Atlanta Braves celebra after the game against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Field on May 19, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
The Atlanta Braves put together an amazing 2018 season, but there is still plenty in the farm system. This is the top 125 prospects in a very deep, loaded system!
In October of 2015, I put together my first Atlanta Braves top 100 prospect list. At the time, it was an incredibly challenging undertaking to get the information required to put together a list that deep, even with the Atlanta Braves farm system on its way up already.
By that January, the Atlanta Braves had made even more trades, including trading away shortstop Andrelton Simmons and pitcher Shelby Miller for a plethora of prospects. That required an update to my top 100 list, including a new #1 overall prospect. That prompted what would become tradition – a longer, profiled top 100 list in the fall and an update before the season to take into account all the new prospects acquired over the offseason.
This offseason may be the first that does not require an update due to an influx of prospects, but perhaps due to trades that send away prospects, and that’s a fun place to be at as an Atlanta Braves fan.
As I began reaching out this offseason, I was flooded with the depth of talent still in the system, and getting to the back end of the list, it was difficult to cut off the list at 100, so I didn’t. This year, you will get 125 prospects in the Atlanta Braves system, not 100!
We will cover the top 125 throughout this week with the following schedule:
I welcome your comments on each prospect as I fully admit that on some prospects (especially Dominican Summer League ones), I’ve not had a chance to do video review yet. I trust my contacts that I’ve made over the years for their information, so I will go with it, but I’m more than willing to discuss when I’m wrong. Heck, that first year’s list (before the update in January) had Hector Olivera #2 and Manny Banuelos #3, above lots of guys that should have been much higher.
Of course, that list also had William Contreras at #29 before updates, and no one had mentioned his name before that, which is why I do trust the folks I talk with in Latin America for their eye!!
As always, this list is mine, not Tomahawk Take’s or FanSided’s view on a player. My rankings are my own personal view on the system for team building purposes, not for fantasy baseball, not purely for trade purposes, nothing like that, simply how I feel these players would fit into the Atlanta Braves long-term based on their current skills and talents. I tend to give weight to a player who has performed in the upper minors, and I’ll gladly admit bias to a guy that I’ve seen a number of times in video reviews. All that said, I hope you enjoy!
Let’s get started with today’s portion of the list!
Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs, Gwinnett Stripers Stats: 6-11, 26 GS, 143 IP, 3.84 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 7.7% BB, 16.4% K Walker was selected in the 5th round out of Gardner-Webb in 2016, and many thought he could explode with the tutelage of the Atlanta Braves pitching coaches. Instead, Walker in his first full season in the Braves system struggled with inconsistency in his stuff – some days showing up elite, some days showing up very rough. He struggled with commanding his excellent movement on his offspeed stuff while coaxing movement from his fastball to open the season, but a few in-season adjustments began to take hold as July wore on, and in his final 8 starts of the season, including his final start with Gwinnett, Walker tossed 52 2/3 innings (averaging roughly 6 2/3 innings per start, which is significant) with a 2.39 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 12/44 BB/K ratio. He’s got the stuff to be a very good mid-rotation starter or move to the bullpen and become an elite reliever. He’ll work in the upper minors in 2019, likely opening in Mississippi.
Level(s): Rome Braves Stats: .245.290/.424, 122 G, 503 PA, 24 2B, 6 3B, 16 HR, 5.4% BB, 17.7% K Signed from the Dominican Republic, Ramos spent 2018 at age 19, but he looked much more physically set in his frame than most fellow teens would, which makes sense why he is able to more easily access his raw power in his swing, and he had one of the more impressive power swings in the Atlanta Braves system in 2018. While he’s not an elite defender, he is passable in left field. His biggest area of need right now is his ability to let pitches go by, but he also had positive contact rates, posting a sub-20% strikeout rate, even with a powerful swing. That powerful swing will get the test of the Florida State League in 2019.
Level(s): Danville Braves Stats: 6 G, 2 GS, 9 IP, 8.00 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, 20.8% BB, 27.1% K A very athletic righty from JuCo that the Atlanta Braves grabbed in the 5th round, Riley had some very good scouting reports. Whether he had worn himself down, was still struggling with his delivery, or just was struggling with the jump from JuCo to advanced rookie ball, Riley didn’t put up the numbers many would expect. A lot of that will be on his mechanics and smoothing them out consistently. When he’s on his game and mechanically smooth, Riley works in the mid-90s with a fastball with plenty of late life and pairs that with a upper-80s slider that sits plus quality and flashes plus-plus. Riley is working on figuring out a third pitch, having flirted with two styles of changeups, a cutter, and a hard curve. If he can figure out one of those pitches as a third primary pitch, he could be a very good mid-rotation starter. Even if not, his fastball/slider combination should be a very good bullpen combo. He should get time to work with this in Rome in 2019.
Level(s): Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs Stats: .223/.305/.349, 108 G, 408 PA, 15 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 16 SB, 10.3% BB, 29.4% K Oozing with raw talent, Wilson has teased Atlanta Braves fans with performances since he hit 10 home runs in just 48 games as a 17-year-old in the Gulf Coast League in 2015. He opened in Rome in 2018, and while his contact skills are still lacking with a significantly big swing in his approach, Wilson was able to walk over 10% of the time and he flashed both power and speed on the field. Defensively, Wilson has the talent, but he has times of making a mental lapse on a routine play, then following it up with a brilliant catch on an impossible play right afterward. Wilson is in the Arizona Fall League currently to get that additional coaching and experience, hoping to see him perhaps be ready for Mississippi in 2019, but remember that Izzy is still not going to be 21 until half-way through spring training 2019. Patience with his level of talent will be key.
Level(s): GCL Braves, Danville Braves, Mississippi Braves Stats: 3-5, 16 GS, 73 2/3 IP, 3.79 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 8.5% BB, 17.3% K Sanchez was one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2013/2014 international free agent market, and he was impressive with the Angels in his pro debut before the Atlanta Braves were able to snag Sanchez in exchange for essentially a quad-A player. In that respect, whatever the Braves get out of Sanchez is gravy in that deal, but with the raw talent that Sanchez has just seems like he should have more at this point. Sanchez still has excellent raw stuff, but he seems to really lose himself in an inning. It’s best for the team if that’s the first inning, but often he ends up 2-3 innings into an incredible start when suddenly he blows up and the manager isn’t sure if/when he’ll collect himself again. If he could iron out that consistency, that would be absolutely huge, and we’ve seen at the major league level a similar issue with guys like Folty and Newcomb both be able to overcome the “bomb” inning. Incredibly, Sanchez will be just 22 next season, likely opening the year in Mississippi.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 04: Chad Sobbotka #61 of the Atlanta Braves delivers the pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game One of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 4-3, 11 saves, 44 G, 1 GS, 57 2/3 IP, 2.03 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 12.6% BB, 33.3% K; Majors: 1-0, 14 G, 14 1/3 IP, 1.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 15.5% BB, 36.2% K Sobotka was a huge surprise for many more casual minor league Atlanta Braves fans, but those who have been digging deep knew just how talented Sobotka has been since he was drafted in 2014 in the 4th round out of the University of South Carolina Upstate. Injuries, specifically to his back, were a plague to Soboka in his first few seasons in the minors, ending his chances to start. Sobotka’s delivery to accomodate some of those back issues has led to issues at times holding his arm slot, but if you look at his WHIP, his walk rate isn’t hurting him in the overall baserunners that are on base, especially with how many strikeouts he adds. Sobotka should factor prominently into the 2019 Atlanta Braves bullpen.
Level(s): GCL Braves, Danville Braves, Florida Fire Frongs Stats: .352/.429/.495, 52 G, 226 PA, 8 2B, 7 3B, 2 HR, 4 SB, 11.9% BB, 18.6% K One of a pair of talented brothers in the 2018 draft that perhaps went later than they were expected and both signed, surprisingly. Alexander then simply came out and blew up, hitting a ton across three levels, even skipping straight over Rome and not missing a beat in Florida. Alexander defensively is an average third baseman, and at 6’5″ and 215-225 pounds, he’s going to have to work some in the corner outfield spots, but he has hit so well already that he will likely get a shot at AA to open 2019, and after controlling the strike zone and also making solid contact, Alexander has an inside track to being considered the best bat in the Atlanta Braves farm system by the end of 2019.
Level(s): GCL Braves Stats: 4 G, 3 GS, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, 0/6 BB/K Weigel had an incredible ascent through the system since being drafted in 2015 by the Atlanta Braves. His incredible velocity mixed with a pair of very good breaking balls seemed back in short bursts as he returned from Tommy John surgery. Weigel will be an intriguing one to watch in 2019 to see how he is as he comes back, as he could threaten for starts by the end of the season if he’s all the way back. If he has to move to the bullpen, his stuff would be elite. Where he opens 2019 will be intriguing to watch.
Level(s): Rome Braves Stats: 5-5, 27 G, 11 GS, 77 1/3 IP, 3.96 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 11.5% BB, 23.3% K Tarnok was drafted in the 3rd round in 2017 by the Atlanta Braves very, very raw with very good velocity, and spending the year with Rome was very beneficial as Tarnok was able to turn into more than just velocity. Tarnok is needing to work on his polish and secondaries, but he’s made big strides in those already, flashing great presence on the mound. He should likely spend all season at Florida, but his ceiling is that of a very possible ace in the Braves system, and there simply are not a lot of pitchers with that type of upside in the system.
Level(s): Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs Stats: 8-12, 24 GS, 116 1/3 IP, 4.56 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 10.6% BB, 25.8% K Ynoa was a man of two levels in 2018 with the Atlanta Braves, his first full season in the Braves organization after being acquired last summer from the Minnesota Twins. Ynoa has a wide array of pitches, but the Twins had focused Ynoa on three pitches. The Braves let him work in a fourth (and fifth if you include both his two-seamer and four-seamer as separate pitches), but still haven’t let him bring out all his weapons. At Rome in 2018, Ynoa really worked with coaches to hone his presence on the mound and how to attack hitters with his stuff that seems to constantly move. He posted a 3.63 ERA and 1.21 WHIP at the level in 91 2/3 innings, earning a well-deserved promotion to Florida. Why exactly it happened has been a point of multiple theories, but Ynoa was suddenly incredibly hittable by FSL hitters, who hit .317 on a .407 BABIP on Ynoa. The BABIP is high enough to assume there’s better days ahead for Ynoa, and his stuff is such that he could jump multiple levels in 2019 at age 21, likely opening in Florida.
Level(s): GCL Braves Stats: 3 G, 1 GS, 4 2/3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 2/7 BB/K Beck was a guy that the Atlanta Braves were very heavy on in 2017, with a heavily-rumored interest in bringing in Beck as a 2nd round pick, but when Wright fell to their first pick, they didn’t have the money to move on Beck, and instead were able to pick him up in 2018. Beck doesn’t exactly have ace-level stuff, but he has mid-rotation stuff with a very high floor that is only threatened by injury. He showed well in his brief time with GCL this year, and he could open in Rome in 2019, in spite of the limited pro time after draft.
Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs Stats: 3-4, 16 GS, 67 IP, 2.28 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9% BB, 19.9% Wentz was the second of four high school arms selected in the first 110 picks of the 2016 draft by the Atlanta Braves. Wentz had plenty of rumors that he was going to want a big signing bonus or go to college, and with the Braves getting a deal with the #3 overall pick, they were able to sign Wentz. Interestingly, all four of those high school arms are ranked from this point forward, with Wentz actually being the lowest-ranked! Wentz has never reached the same velocity he showed in short bursts in summer showcases before his senior year of high school, but he’s become a much better overall pitcher, learning how to sequence his pitches and pound the edges of the zone to adjust a hitter’s eye level. He will get his first crack at AA in 2019.
Level(s): Danville Braves, Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs Stats: .265/.328/.395, 61 G, 251 PA, 9 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 4 SB, 9.2% BB, 16.3% K Jenista being here could raise some eyebrows, as his performance was behind that of fellow draftee Alexander, but if you would have done a survey of where most thought Jenista would go in the 2018 draft just one year ago today, Jenista would have been projected nearly consensus in the top 5-10 of the draft. While Jenista had a solid season, hitting .339/.446/.475 for Wichita State, his teammate Alec Bohm got much more publicity, and while he improved in multiple areas that boosted his overall game, he didn’t take a leap forward with his power that many thought he may after a big performance in the Cape Cod League. Jenista has a polished approach at the plate that should allow his power to play and plenty of positive contributions even if he’s not putting the ball out of the stadium. Jenista is a legit top-end athlete as well. His defensive ability in the outfield is above-average at least, if not plus. He is also a better athlete than his giant 6’4″, 230-240 pound frame would suggest, with adept base running and above average top-end speed.
Level(s): Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves Stats: 11-3, 25 GS, 139 2/3 IP, 3.03 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 8% BB, 22.6% K Along with Joey Wentz, Kyle Muller was also a left-handed pitcher with a legit first base bat that could have led to him being recruited as a two-way player. In fact, Muller was selected as the national Gatorade high school player of the year in his senior year in large part due to his offensive prowess. Perhaps that’s what inspired the bit (6’6″, 225 pounds) lefty to jump so quick in 2018 as Mississippi pitchers get a chance to swing the bat. He showed excellent control and a tough angle from his high release point to drive the ball down, generating plenty of weak and ground-ball contact. He will likely open 2019 in Mississippi, but he could further complicate the team’s depth if he shows out right away.
Level(s): Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 6-4, 19 GS, 112 1/3 IP, 2.72 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 7.4% BB, 19.5% K; Majors: 1-1, 3 G, 1 GS, 8 IP, 12.38 ERA, 2.88 WHIP, 8.5% BB, 6.4% K A guy who has been knocked by a number of sources due to his lack of high strikeout numbers and velocity, Allard has still worked all the way to AAA successfully at 20 years old, just turning 21 in August. Allard’s pure velocity may not be elite, certainly, but he is able to get hitters to get themselves out with weak contact through sequencing and elite movement on his pitches. Allard does rely on premium command to execute, which he struggled with due to environmental effects in his pro debut, which turned off a lot of Atlanta Braves fans. In spite of that look, Allard is a solid #4 starter from the left side, and there is plenty of value to that, whether it’s to the Braves down the line or in a trade.
Level(s): Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs Stats: .293/.343/.476, 114 G, 498 PA, 39 2B, 9 3B, 9 HR, 23 SB, 5.8% BB, 21.1% K The Atlanta Braves grabbed Waters in the 2nd round in 2017, and he is loaded with raw talent, which was obvious in 2018. He did struggle early in the season with controlling his emotions on the field, and I got multiple reports of having trouble focusing back on the field after a bad at bat or sulking in the dugout after a baserunning mistake. However, he definitely improved in that regard over the season as I got not one mention of it by the end of the year. Waters did struggle some in Florida and will likely open the season in 2019 at that level, but with the Braves willing to be aggressive in their promotions, Waters could move quickly if he performs to open the season.
Level(s): Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 3-5, 13 GS, 58 IP, 4.81 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 7.2% BB, 23.7% K; Majors: 0-1, 1 save, 9 G, 1 GS, 19 2/3 IP, 5.95 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 9.8% BB, 22% K If there is anyone that would want (and deserve) a re-do on the 2018 season, it’s Gohara. After being the “other” guy who climbed up multiple levels in 2017 and ended up leaving a big impression at the big league level, Gohara went through personal tragedy, injury, and just a rough season overall in 2018. The great part for him is that the stuff was still there when he was healthy, and he is just 21 years old, which leaves a whole lot of time for him to let that double-plus fastball and double-plus slider play, whether it’s as a potential top-rotation lefty starter or as an elite bullpen option.
Level(s): GCL Braves, Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Braves Stats: .294/.360/.522, 108 G, 455 PA, 30 2B, 3 3B, 19 HR, 8.1% BB, 28.4% K Many will see this rank and think I’m down on Riley overall or something, but that’s certainly not the case. In fact, when I get into my top 150 list overall for Call To The Pen later this offseason, Riley (and everyone above him) are definite top 50 guys in that list. Riley made major strides in his ability to handle the third base position going forward if that’s where he plays, or to be able to move elsewhere as he has really done well in taking care of his body and trimming up. He has made big strides at the plate as well, shortening his swing with 2 strikes better and using the whole field, but he does still have some work to do with his swing and miss as he posted a strikeout rate just under 305 in AAA, and that doesn’t typically translate to lower numbers in the majors, so that is certainly something to watch. I would personally love to see Riley get some reps in the outfield to possibly be an option in a corner outfield spot for the Atlanta Braves in 2019.
Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Stripes, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 8-5, 25 G, 23 GS, 125 2/3 IP, 3.44 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 6.8% BB, 27.2% K; Majors: 1-0, 3 G, 1 GS, 7 IP, 6.43 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 18.2% BB, 18.2% K Drafted in the 4th round out of high school in North Carolina by the Atlanta Braves in the 2016 draft, Wilson turned down opportunities to play college football and still brings a free safety’s build to the mound when he climbs the hill. He may not bring the ball in triple digits for velocity, but he has the ability to control all of his stuff and pound the zone, In the majors, Wilson was working out of the bullpen and struggled with control in that role, but he flashed plenty just to be up to the majors at 20 years old in his second full season in the Braves system. He should compete for the rotation in 2019.
Level(s): Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 8-9, 27 G, 24 GS, 138 IP, 3.46 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 8.9% BB, 23.1% K; Majors: 4 G, 6 IP, 4.50 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 21.4% BB, 17.9% K The Atlanta Braves were overjoyed to have Kyle Wright fall to them at #5 overall in the 2017 draft, and they went overslot to ensure the Vanderbilt product ended up a member of their organization. Wright opened his first full season of his pro career in AA, showing just how advanced he was on the mound, and he wasn’t overwhelmed in 4 big league appearances to finish that first full season. Typically, that would have a pitcher ranked #1 or maybe #2 in a farm system, but that perhaps is the curse of the top end of the Braves system still being as elite as it is. Wright still has some work to do in being consistent from game to game with his pitches, as he’ll show a change that would get a 60-65 grade from a scout on one night and the next night, he’s working with a 50 change. With that being the real final polishing step for Wright before taking over as a high-end mid-rotation starter for many years, he has a ton of value, which could make Wright a guy that is asked about heavily in trades this offseason. If he’s still a member of the Braves organization to open 2019, he’ll compete for a rotation spot.
Level(s): Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs Stats: .285/.347/.436, 105 G, 432 PA, 24 2B, 11 HR, 8.1% BB, 20.6% K Many could see this very high, but based on my views and the conversations I’ve had around the league with people who’ve seen Contreras, he’s at least this high, and maybe even higher! Of course, I will gladly admit that I’ve been a huge Contreras fan since he came into the Atlanta Braves system, ranking him as the #29 prospect in the Braves system in my first top 100. Contreras has a brother who is well-known as the Cubs starter, and while his offensive upside is not that of his brother, he has the chance to be a much more well-rounded defender and definitely a more complete hitter, with excellent control of the strike zone and of his own emotions on the field. One consistent review of Contreras this season was that he was never overwhelmed on the season, which is an incredible thing in a guy’s first experience of full-season ball. He did see his number drop some in Florida, but it’s quite feasible that he could open in Mississippi in 2019.
Level(s): Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 9-6, 24 GS, 136 1/3 IP, 2.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.4%, 28.9% K; Majors: 2-1, 7 G, 5 GS, 29 IP, 4.03 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 17.1% BB, 26% K Touki has long been known as the most-talented arm in the entire Atlanta Braves system, and while I believe that may not be entirely true, it’s not due to Touki doing anything wrong. Toussaint made impressive strides in 2018, using a modified delivery to allow him to be more direct to the plate, which allowed for better command and control. Toussaint still needs to iron out his control at the big league level, as was seen in his time with the Braves in August through October this season, but his talent can’t be denied, and he certainly has to be considered a front-runner for a rotation spot for 2019 in Atlanta.
Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves Stats: .279/.307/.410, 122 G, 496 PA, 23 2B, 6 3B, 9 HR, 7 SB, 4% BB, 19.6% K One of the big signees in 2015 by the Atlanta Braves, Pache has lived up to every bit of his hype and then some. With some concern about translating his power into games after 2017, Pache simply came out and absolutely pounded the ball. His stolen base number may not be impressive, but that’s more a learning thing on the bases as Pache is a premium baserunner, but his instincts on when to take off still need work. He did steal 32 the previous year, but it was also with plenty of caught stealing, often stealing base on his plus-plus speed. Pache has incredibly impressive contact skills, and while he does need to work on taking more pitches, his manageable strikeout rate, even as he’s expressing more power shows just how elite his contact skills are. Of course, the story with Pache is always one thing – defense. Pache is in the discussion among the best defensive outfielders in baseball, majors or minors. His arm is a definite double-plus along with his incredible instincts off the bat to complement his range. To put it into perspective, if Pache was called up to the major league club right now to open 2019, Ender Inciarte would be in left field and Ronald Acuna would be in right in deference to Pache. He will likely open 2019 at 20 years old at AA, but he very well could get time in the majors by the end of the season, and he could be a weapon off the bench for his speed and defense down the stretch.
Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves Stats: 4-7, 24 GS, 119 1/3 IP, 2.49 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 9.9% BB, 28.7% K The Atlanta Braves selection at #3 overall in 2016 seemed at the time to be a cost-cutting measure, but as time has worn on, it’s shown that the Braves were after more than a cheap pick with Anderson. He’s developed into arguably the top arm in the entire system. The Braves wanted to see him handle a full season of innings and handle the upper minors, and he passed both tests with flying colors. The thing with Anderson is that looking at his statline only gives a tiny piece of the puzzle. Watching him once will blow you away, twice will have you singing his praises, and beyond that, you’re convinced you’re looking at one of the best arms in all of minor league baseball, which he very well may be. The Atlanta Braves are still being intentional with Anderson’s progress in innings and workload, so he will likely open at Mississippi in 2019, and it’s doubtful he’d be allowed to work in the bullpen or as a spot starter type the way that many young arms were in 2018, but his future role for the team could be much, much more important as he has true ace-level stuff.
Level(s): Rome Braves, Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta Braves Stats: Minors: 2-1, 6 GS, 30 2/3 IP, 1.76 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 5.2% BB, 29.6% K; Majors: 2-1, 5 GS, 25 2/3 IP, 1.44 WHIP, 6.2% BB, 18.6% K The second player the Atlanta Braves selected in the 2015 draft, Mike Soroka has established himself as one of the greatest pitchers in all of minor league baseball. Many originally compared Soroka’s ability to manipulate the baseball and set up hitters to that of Greg Maddux, and while that is a high comp to put on any player (and rarely one that should be used), Soroka is the rare guy that could actually live up to being in that mold at the very least.
Watching Soroka on the mound is really a thing of beauty. Even though his pitches were hit more at the big league level than the minors, he was not deterred from pitching into the zone, often seeing a ball break completely the opposite way in the second plate appearance for a batter than it had in the first appearance due to a change Mike put on the grip or pressure on his fingers or other such things that were indistinguishable to the hitter until the ball was in flight and moving.
I’ll not claim to be the level of Mike Soroka fanboy that Eric Cole of Talking Chop is, but I’ve loved Soroka since he came into the system, and it could not have thrilled me more than to watch Soroka outduel Jacob deGrom of the Mets in really what was his last healthy start of the season before shoulder injury cut short his 2018. He will be back in 2019, and from all reports from his recent throwing session, he will be stronger than ever!
Next. My week as Braves GM. dark
So that’s the top 25 prospects in the annual countdown of the Atlanta Braves top prospects. Anyone too high? Too low? Comment below!
