Atlanta Braves could find needed depth in designated players
By Fred Owens
Not that Braxton
The Fish also designated their #13 prospect going into the season, outfielder Braxton Lee. He played mostly in A+, AA, AAA this year but managed eight games in the Majors at age 23.
He’s not a slugger. He reminds many of Juan Pierre type who uses his speed to get on base and provide solid defense.
Tool Grades (Present/Future)
| Hit | Raw Power | Game Power | Run | Fielding | Throw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45/50 | 50/50 | 20/30 | 70/70 | 50/55 | 55/55 |
>Note that 70 run grade in the Fangraphs’ pre2016 scouting box above.
The player that caught my eye was another pitcher – rushed up and now, thrown away.
Marlins DFA Meyer
The Marlins drafted Ben Meyer in the 28th round in 2015. In 2017 he made 12 starts and eight relief appearances in high A ball, threw 82 innings with a 1.98 ERA and 0.934 WHIP. Fangraphs tagged Meyer as a future reliever last spring.
"Ben Meyer, RHP – A low-slot righty who will touch 96, Meyer’s fastball/breaking-ball combination could play in relief, probably as a righty specialist."
Naturally, the Fish knew he was big league ready (that’s sarcasm folks) and jumped him to the Majors in 2018 where he got hammered. Shocking, I know!
Meyer (25) still holds two option years yet Miami can’t seem to find a place for him and today they Tuesday the designated him for assignment.
Meyer is clearly a reliever. In 307 minor league innings, he struck out 307 batters and walked 77 (3.99/1 K/BB), posted a 3.05 ERA, 1.150 WHIP. A team that gives him time to understand that 95 MPH fastball better and allows him to gain more minor league experience might find they have a useful reliever on their hands.
That’s a wrap
Fitting Dietrich and Meyer onto the roster could pretty easily be done. Meyer takes the spot held by Luke Jackson (or better yet Sam Freeman) and either Grant Dayton or Chad Sobotka move up to backfill that slot.
Dietrich takes Rio Ruiz’ place. Ruiz looks more like a 4A player every time we see him. He’s not the third baseman of the future and he hasn’t yet hit enough to stick.
Next. He just keeps coming back. dark
Right now, the Atlanta Braves are focusing on a catcher, corner outfielder, and a couple of pitchers. Eventually, more bench and minor league depth must come on board and a player like Dietrich might well be among them.