Atlanta Braves: 3 prospects set for a massive 2022 season
By Matt Melton
The Atlanta Braves saw a few prospects rise up the ranks in 2021. Who could see a similar jump in 2022?
When looking at the 2021 season down on the farm as a whole, there were a few Atlanta Braves prospects who burst onto the scene this past season such as Michael Harris, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder.
Because of this, each of those three saw a notable rise up the prospect ranks in 2021 with Harris rising into the Top 100 overall, as well as Strider and Elder sitting at Atlanta’s No. 10-11 prospects respectively. However, which Braves’ prospects will take a similar jump in 2022?
Three Atlanta Braves prospects are set for a massive 2022 season.
Here are three Atlanta Braves prospects who are set for a massive 2022 season, one that will see each rise up the prospect ranks in 2022. – Rankings courtesy of MLB Pipeline.
3. INF Luke Waddell
When looking back at the Atlanta Braves 2021 MLB Draft class, you won’t find a hitter that arguably had more success in their professional debut than Luke Waddell who reached Double-A late last season.
Atlanta’s fifth-round pick out of Georgia Tech, Waddell was coming off a career-year with the Yellow Jackets when selected by the Braves, and immediately began his career with High-A Rome.
Despite only appearing in 21 games during that span, the 23-year-old excelled slashing .304/.372/.580 with six home runs to earn a call-up to Double-A where he would go on to appear in only eight games for the Southern League Champions.
Waddell’s impressive 2021 season wouldn’t end there, however, as the versatile infielder played in the Arizona Fall League this past November where he slashed .311/.394/.393.
The Braves No. 28 prospect, Waddell is a player who can play multiple different roles defensively, as well as being an impact bat in the lineup.
While the 23-year-old did see an uptick in his power numbers in 2021, Waddell is a hit-for-average type player who rarely strikes out, even posting a combined 92:62 BB:K ratio during his collegiate career.
While a majority of his time in college came at shortstop, Waddell saw a significant number of appearances at both third and second base during his professional debut, meaning that a super-utility role could be a possibility.
While he is currently rated as Atlanta’s No. 28 prospect, Waddell is one of the top overall hitters in the Braves system, and should be set for a massive 2022.