House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves minors: End of season recap of the 2019 Florida Fire Frogs

By Clint Manry

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: A general view of the helmets and bats of the against the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: A general view of the helmets and bats of the against the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The verdict

Even knowing how favorable the FSL’s environment is for pitchers, it’s hard not to feel extremely optimistic about several of Florida’s arms.

There’s only a couple of Fire Frogs’ pitchers that contributed last season that are ranked prospects (Hernandez and Freddy Tarnok), though Hernandez likely will be in Mississippi at some point in 2020.

However, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few others earn a ranking at the beginning of next season. Like the case for all other lower-minor league levels, if a player is good he isn’t going to stay there very long anyways.

The excitement regarding Pfeifer’s performance this season is for real, as well as White’s and Hernandez’s.

Those three should garner more attention during the 2020 season, as all three will face the challenges of the high-minors next year, giving us a bit more perspective regarding their true talent.

Hold-overs like Brooks Wilson and Troy Bacon should rise and become leaders for the Fire Frogs next season. If Wilson and Bacon can match their 2019 numbers, they could find themselves in Mississippi as well.

It will also be interesting to see what comes of Tarnok (#13 on FanGraphs THE BOARD). Tarnok is a former 3rd round pick (2017), but he hasn’t really impressed since moving up from the GCL. Although, 2020 will be just his age-21 season.

25-year-old reliever Sean McLaughlin is another compelling potential prospect.

After failing in his quick 2018 tryout in Mississippi (7.50 ERA in 11 games), McLaughlin pitched to a 2.96 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 20 walks in 35 relief appearances for the Fire Frogs in 2019. He should get another shot at Double-A baseball in 2020.

Unfortunately, I’m afraid Florida will feature another mediocre offense next season, though. I just don’t see too much help next year, at least enough to substantially improve the team.

Basically every player listed in the previous slide has either made it to Mississippi, or will be there early next season.

Two players I didn’t mention was a couple of Atlanta Braves 2018 draft picks, outfielder Greyson Jenista and third baseman CJ Alexander.

Jenista, the former Wichita State star and 2nd round pick, struggled in Florida (.673 OPS), but was moved up to Mississippi anyways, in 2019.

Jenista couldn’t really get it together in Double-A (.662 OPS), slashing just .243/.324/.338 with 5 home runs in 74 games with the M-Braves.

Alexander dealt with an injury in 2019, limiting his time in Florida (19 games), but he was also rather aggressively promoted.

Double-A ball didn’t go so well for him either, as he struggled to the tune of a .103 batting average in 24 games. Altogether, Alexander finished 2019 with a .425 OPS, though 43 games is hard to take too seriously.

I think the Atlanta Braves really just wanted to go ahead and see what they had with Jenista and Alexander. But will they start in Mississippi next season?

Contreras is another prospect that will require a decision. The 21-year-old catcher and No. 6 prospect on the team (via THE BOARD), somewhat held his own after his promotion to Mississippi in 2019. However, his overall .669 OPS doesn’t exactly scream future Atlanta Braves catcher.

But Contreras is still rather young, and being that he is a catcher, it would be unrealistic to expect an. 800 OPS from him. Plus, his plate discipline wasn’t too bad in 2019 (22.0 K% / 7.6 BB%).

There’s probably a few that I’m missing, but either way, there are several tough decisions to be made before the start of 2020.

With the Fire Frogs basically the last rung on the ladder before Atlanta Braves’ prospects reach the highest levels of competition in minor league baseball —awaiting in Double and Triple-A — I’m glad I don’t have to make those critical decisions.

Next. 5 most important home runs. dark

But let’s hear what you think. Of the 2019 Florida Fire Frogs players, and potential ones in 2020, who do you project to become elite prospects or even big league players? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Also, be sure to check back soon as we’ll cover the 2019 Mississippi Braves.

Home/Braves Minors