Atlanta Braves: Is Cristian Pache about to take the big leagues by storm?
The complete package
One look at Cristian Pache’s numbers doesn’t tell the whole story of an evolving young player who seems primed for a breakout.
Sometimes, the eye test is sufficient enough.
Several of the “experts” have chimed in with their thoughts on the Atlanta Braves prized prospect, many with an emphasis on Pache’s stellar glovework.
Take a look at what MLB.com said regarding Pache’s defense, which they ranked as the best among all of their Top 100 Prospects:
"While Robles is more polished, Pache may have better all-around raw tools. The consensus best defensive center fielder in the minors, he also has well above-average arm strength and speed that would allow him to fit anywhere in the outfield."
Pache also ranked in the “also in the running” group for MLB.com’s “Strongest Arm” category.
Furthermore, MLB.com’s BaseballSavant detailed this in their scouting report of Pache:
"Pache might be the best defensive outfielder in the Minor Leagues at present … His speed allows him to cover a tremendous amount of ground and his plus instincts, reads and routes allow that to play up even more … Pache’s straight running speed is close to top of the scale … Pache’s power is just starting to show up, at least in terms of extra-base ability …"
Meanwhile, CBS Sports had this to say of Pache’s all-around ability:
"At his best, Cristian Pache looks like a future star: a demon center fielder with more power potential than his 21 career home runs suggest. At his less-than-best, he still looks like a valuable player — just one who may not add as much as hoped offensively."
Sure sounds like the makings of a guy with five-tool potential – and hopes for a solid future even if one or two of those tools don’t pan out.
Where does Pache rank?
The general consensus among most prospect rankings is that Cristian Pache is the best minor leaguer (or second-best) currently in the Atlanta Braves system.
About a month ago here at TomahawkTake, Clint finalized a Top 30 Atlanta Braves prospects list that was topped by Pache.
Additionally, Pache continues to make his presence known on a larger scale as well.
Here’s where he stacks up in several major prospect lists:
- Baseball Prospectus: #1 for the Braves, #22 in MiLB
- MLB.com: #1 for the Braves, #13 in MiLB
- Fangraphs Top 100: #1 for the Braves, #20 in MiLB
- CBSSports: #1 for the Braves, #24 in MiLB.
There’s certainly a lot of love to go around for this talented young outfielder.