Atlanta Braves: 5 Bold Predictions for 2020

5. The first top prospect to be called up is…

Most believe that because of his elite defense and continued improvement at the plate, Cristian Pache will be the first of the Braves’ top prospects to be promoted to the big leagues in 2019.

But to me, Ian Anderson will be the first prospect to make his debut in Atlanta and it will happen before the All-Star Game.

Anderson, who is ranked No. 44 on Baseball America’s Top 100 prospect list, did struggle in his brief stint at Triple-A last season (1-2, 6.57), but he was very impressive at Double-A (7-5, 2.83).

Once he adjusts at Gwinnett, and I fully expect that to happen early, then he will be in Atlanta.

Yes, there is Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson—two organization top 10 prospects—who will get a shot, but if Anderson impresses like predicted, it seems difficult for the Braves to keep him down for long.

For the record, Pache will undoubtedly make his debut in Atlanta this season and probably close to as early as Anderson, but it really all depends on how Ender Inciarte performs in center and if he can stay healthy.

Whether it’s Anderson or Pache or another prospect, there is going to be plenty of young talent making their way to Truist Park this summer.