The Atlanta Braves farm system is pretty thin in terms of elite prospects. Does that mean everyone is available as the trade deadline approaches?
This past offseason Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos made the first real substantial prospect trade of his tenure when he sent Cristian Pache, Shea Langeliers, Ryan Cusick, and Joey Estes to the Oakland Athletics for Matt Olsen.
Losing those four prospects, plus the promotions of Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider who are now mainstays on the big league roster, have severely gutted the farm system.
We’ve also already seen the debuts of Kyle Muller, Bryce Elder, and Tucker Davidson who are all ranked in the Braves’ top 10 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline.
As Anthopoulos potentially looks to make some improvements at this month’s trade deadline, are there any prospects that can’t be moved?
Braves Prospects: Who to Keep
Michael Harris will graduate from being a prospect over the next few weeks, and when that happens, Drew Waters will become the top prospect in the system.
After a good start to 2022 despite a hamstring injury, he’s cooled off significantly and is having another disappointing year at Triple-A.
The switch-hitter is still just 23 and should have some value in trade talks, but he’s certainly not someone that is untouchable.
Vaughn Grissom is the one prospect who has the most helium following up a great 2021 with a great 2022 so far.
When the rankings are updated, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Grissom as the Braves’ top-ranked prospect.
Depending on what happens with Dansby Swanson, the infield in Atlanta could be settled for a while, which means Grissom might be expendable.
It would have to be for an impact player with years of control.
Outside of that, there really isn’t anyone in the system who would be untouchable.
Kyle Muller has dominated for two months at Triple-A and had some success at the big league level. Atlanta likely wants to keep him as depth for the rotation.
Jared Shuster is having a solid season at Double-A and is sure to move into the Braves’ top five prospects. But still, he could be moved in the right deal.
Those are the four names that have the most value in the system right now. If Anthopoulos wanted to make a big deal at the deadline, one of them would likely have to be involved.
That’s why it’s hard to see the Braves making a blockbuster deal this year. They can easily be outbid for the top trade candidates out there like Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds.
The Braves don’t need to do much other than make a few tweaks, and they have plenty of prospects they could trade to acquire some depth pieces if needed.