Atlanta Braves: 3 prospects set for a massive 2022 season
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.
2. RHP William Woods
In a farm system that displays multiple big-league ready arms, one player in particular that may not be as known as others is 22-year-old right-hander William Woods.
A former 23rd round pick from the 2018 MLB Draft out of Dyersburg State Community College (TN), Woods only made five starts during the 2021 season posting a 4.22 ERA, a majority of which came with High-A Rome. Despite the limited sample size, Woods also pitched in the 2021 Arizona Fall League, posting a 4.29 ERA across 21 innings.
Despite only throwing 82.1 innings since 2018, the right-hander was added to Atlanta’s 40-man roster this past November, protecting Woods from the Rule 5 Draft.
Woods’ pitch repertoire is headlined by an impressive fastball that continues to improve, flirting with triple-digits on a regular basis. In addition to this, Woods also has a solid slider and changeup, both of whom have become reliable to give the right-hander a legit three-pitch mix.
However, Woods’ biggest question has been command, something that may ultimately decide whether he settles into a starter or relief role in the big leagues.
Likely beginning the season with either High-A Rome or Double-A Mississippi, Woods is set for a breakout 2022 campaign, similar to that of current Braves No. 11 prospect Bryce Elder‘s 2021 season.
Atlanta’s current No. 27 overall prospect, don’t be surprised at all if the hard-throwing right-hander rises into the Braves Top 15-20 prospects in 2022.
1. SS Ambioris Tavarez
When looking at the final name on this list, one question probably comes to mind almost instantly – who is Ambioris Tavarez?
If you’re thinking that, it’s understandable as Tavarez has still yet to officially make his professional debut — never mind that his big league ETA is set at 2026 — the furthest out of any Braves current Top 30 prospect.
In what was the final year of Atlanta’s international sanctions, the Braves used nearly all of their allotted pool to sign the now 18-year-old out of the Dominican Republic back in January earlier this year.
The Braves current No. 25 prospect, Tavarez displays an impressive right-handed swing that is headlined by above-average raw power that plays to all parts of the field. In addition to this, Tavarez is also a strong defender with a plus-arm that while he is currently listed as a shortstop, a potential transition to third base is a likely destination in the future.
Regardless of where he ends up defensively, Tavarez is a high-upside offensive player with excellent speed, one who will quickly begin to rise up the prospect ranks the moment he begins his professional career next season.
It’s fine if you don’t know who Tavarez is at the moment because that will 100% change in 2022.
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While the Atlanta Braves obviously display multiple prospects that could see notable rises next season, it’s clear that Waddell, Woods, and Tavarez are set for a big 2022. Don’t be surprised if any of these players emerge as Atlanta Braves Top 15-20 prospects in 2022.