Atlanta Braves minors: 5 biggest offseason storylines

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1. Some of your favorite prospects will be traded

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I’m not sure you could say with certainty that this season is any different than any other season, in terms of the possibility that a few Braves’ prospects get moved. A lot of the same guys are right where they were last season.

However, given that the Atlanta Braves’ major league roster appears to have more spots to fill compared to this time last year, we could see more ranked prospects involved in trades this offseason.

We will discuss this more as the offseason progresses, but let’s look at a few Braves’ prospects that may be part of a deal this Winter or even during the 2020 season (these aren’t deals that I necessarily like, but ones that could happen):

3B, OF, Austin Riley: While he surpassed his prospect status in 2019, playing in 80 games for the Atlanta Braves, the real possibility that Josh Donaldson signs a pact with the Braves could very well make Riley’s services redundant… especially if the organization keeps Johan Camargo.

SP, Kyle Wright: Whether we think it’s RIGHT or not, the Braves may feel that Wright just doesn’t have what it takes, as he currently has a 7.71 major league ERA (4 starts / 7 relief appearances). Trading Wright this offseason wouldn’t be the wisest move (big time sell-low), but as a former 1st round pick, the Braves may try and see if another team’s interested in fixing him.

SP, Bryse Wilson: Same scenario as Wright above. Wilson hasn’t exactly impressed thus far in the majors and the Braves may feel like it’s now or never if they’re going to try to squeeze any value out of his current prospect-rank. I personally don’t like the idea of trading Wilson, but I’m also not a decision-maker in the Braves’ front office.

One of Drew Waters or Cristen Pache: Yes, I have instantly made a lot of people angry, but hear me out (even though I would be extremely mad if the Braves traded one of these players).

The Atlanta Braves could find themselves in the running for a superstar player (think Mookie Betts or something along those lines) and the asking price could be one of the organization’s top prospects. Would the Braves do it? Would they trade one of its top-two young players? I’m not sure, but it happens all of the time.

OF, Greyson Jenista: A player that would be much more realistic in terms of a potential trade, Jenista (11th ranked prospect), is basically the organization’s fourth-string prospect outfielder behind Pache, Waters, and Trey Harris right now.

The Atlanta Braves also have Michael Harris and Stephen Paolini down in the lower ranks of the minors.

The point is… the organization has a bit of a surplus in outfielders at the moment, and the Braves may try and cash in. Jenista would be a 40+ FV prospect that could beef up an offer.

Calm down

I haven’t heard or read any reports of either of those I’ve listed as possible trade candidates. Those are just a few, given the organization’s current situation, possibilities.

The truth is… the Braves will eventually be forced to trade some of its prospect wealth. That’s just the way it works.

And now that GM Alex Anthopolous has had two full seasons to observe his talent, perhaps he may be a bit more willing to part with some of these more highly regarded prospects (don’t shoot the messenger!).

Braves: 8 biggest offseason questions. dark. Next

Regardless, these are all things to chew on this offseason. Yes, the majors will bring more drama and excitement with all of its hot stove moves, but there are some important storylines to follow regarding Atlanta Braves’ prospects as well.

*ALSO: Be on the lookout later this offseason, as I plan to release my own Atlanta Braves prospect rankings.