Yes, you read that right. The Atlanta Braves may have their own Trea Turner down in the minors. Tate Southisene was the Braves' 2025 first-round pick that many thought was an under-slot pick to give Briggs McKenzie more money and pry him away from his commitment to LSU. Southisene, however, has played like a true first-round pick and has earned his status as a Top-100 prospect in all of baseball.
In his draft season, Southisene looked like he would be a massive bust with a 40.9 K% and only one walk in 66 at-bats with no home runs in 15 games. However, one change could be what has led to his success this year, and it was as simple as him stopping swinging the bat. From 2025 to 2026, Southisene dropped his overall swing% from 53.5% to 40% while raising his contact rate from 61.3% to 76.7%. This shows Southisene's approach has changed dramatically, and he is waiting on his pitch so that when he gets it, he does not miss on the swing.
Tate Southisene may be the Trea Turner archetype that the Braves have been chasing all along
The 19-year-old has outperformed almost everybody's highest expectations of him in 2026 with a slash line of .278/.408/.467 for an OPS of .875 and a wRC+ of 138. Southisene also added 45 stolen bases to that stat line, only being caught 10 times. Southisene is one of only four minor leaguers this season to have 45+ stolen bases, 10+ home runs, and a BB% over 15%.
Southisene's season was cut short by a hit-by-pitch to the hand on July 28th, just 2 at-bats into his promotion to Double-A Columbus. His metrics were rock solid considering his age versus competition. His BB% was one of the best in all of the minor leagues at 15.5%, and he only struck out at a 22.4% clip. That is elite production from a guy you expect to be a leadoff type hitter and a table setter in the future.
MLB Pipeline has Southisene ranked as the Braves' third-best prospect, and they currently grade all of his tools at a 50 or higher on the 20-80 scale. Southisene’s speed is currently his best tool at a 60 on that scale. This is very reminiscent of Trea Turner, as his best tool is also speed, but his ability to move from shortstop to center field (earlier in his career) is something Tate did in high school. Southisene also has the ability to hit for average and power, which makes him a very unique prospect.
The only real issue with Southisene is his defensive positioning. He is absolutely athletic enough to handle shortstop in the majors, but his arm strength leaves a bit to be desired. Second base could be a good option in the future, and a move to center field could capitalize on his speed. Whatever the result is, Southisene will (hopefully) be a very productive Major League Baseball player.
The Braves are going to have their hands full trying to decide who the shortstop of the future is between John Gil, Alex Lodise, and Tate Southisene. One thing is for certain: like my mom used to say when I would ask to go eat out at a restaurant, we have Trea Turner at home.
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