The Starting Lineup
Catcher, Shea Langeliers
For the past few years it was widely assumed that William Contreras was the catcher of the future, but now that label belongs to Langeliers, who was the Braves’ first-round pick in 2019.
Viewed as more of a defensive specialist right now, Langeliers does have potential offensively. He hit .255 last season with High-A Rome.
First Base, Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman will be a free agent after the 2021 season, but he will assuredly get a new deal over the next 12 months. Now that Freeman is fully healthy, a monster year should be expected, which could pay dividends.
What will a new contract look like? Something similar to Paul Goldschmidt’s 5-year $130 million dollar deal seems reasonable for one of the faces of the franchise.
Second Base, Ozzie Albies
After going through a rough stretch to conclude the 2018 season, Ozzie Albies took big strides last season hitting .295, while belting 24 homers and driving in 86 runs. He led the National League with 189 hits.
Last offseason, Albies signed a VERY team-friendly deal. He and the Braves agreed to a 7-year, $35 million dollar contract, which allows the Braves all sorts of freedom over the course of this contract.
Shortstop, Dansby Swanson
If there is one position that seems shaky it would be shortstop as Dansby Swanson has still not fulfilled expectations. Although, before he injured his heel last year, he was having his best offensive season (17 homers and 57 RBI in 100 games). Swanson was one of the best defensive shortstops in 2018, but he took a step back last season.
This seems like a make it or break it year for Swanson in 2020.
Third Base, Austin Riley
The best power-hitting prospect in the Braves system fell on hard times the second half of last season, hitting below .200 over his final two months of the season. But if he can make adjustments, he can be the No. 4 hitter for years to come.
With other top prospects in the system being outfielders, Riley can slide into his more natural spot at third base.
Left Field, Drew Waters
As a consensus top 50 prospect in all of baseball, Drew Waters should be in Atlanta sometime before the 2020 season is over.
The biggest question mark for Waters is will he be able to cut down on his strikeouts, which plagued him throughout the 2019 season, despite the fact he was promoted midseason from Double-A to Triple-A.
Naturally a center fielder, it should not be a difficult transition to left field for the athletic Waters.
Center Field, Cristian Pache
This seems like the safest bet among the position player prospects, as Cristian Pache is regarded as the top prospect in the system.
The reason why he is the safest bet? Pache is an elite defender, who could play center field for the Braves right now for that very reason.
The bat is catching up to his glove, so Pache will likely be in Atlanta sooner rather than later in 2020.
Right Field, Ronald Acuna, Jr.
What really needs to be said here?
Acuna is already one of the games brightest stars that will only get brighter as he gets into the prime of his career.
It also helps that he, like Albies, signed a team-friendly deal that has eight years guaranteed with two option years at the end — all for $100 million dollars.
Projected Lineup:
RF-Acuna
2B-Albies
1B-Freeman
3B-Riley
SS-Swanson
LF-Waters
C-Langeliers
CF-Pache