The failure rate of prospects in the game of baseball is unbelievably high. Baseball is insanely difficult at the highest levels, and players have only a few years (at most) to prove they belong. Still, the Atlanta Braves' failure rate with top international prospects has been particularly high, and Diego Tornes could join that list of busts.
When the Braves signed Tornes before the 2025 season for almost $2.5 million, there was a lot of excitement. Tornes was one of the higher-ranked bats in his international free agent class, and he had a surprisingly well-rounded offensive skill set that had a chance to play all three outfield positions.
After an intriguing pro debut with encouraging hitting metrics, Tornes just endured a tough 2026 season in his first season in rookie ball, and that has placed a spotlight on the 18-year-old prospect heading into the 2027 season.
17-Year-Old Diego Tornes worked a 99 MPH EV single up the middle to score 2 runs. He goes all the way to 3B after an error.
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) May 16, 2026
He's the 8th ranked prospect in the Braves system per MLB Pipeline and swiped 24 bags in the DSL last season. pic.twitter.com/HR7rpG6QyT
Diego Tornes needs to show real progress in 2027 if the Braves are going to avoid another bust label
At Tornes' age, a slow start isn't all that surprising. This past season, Tornes was attempting to make changes to his swing and dealt with injuries, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt. However, after posting a .196/.274/.304 line in rookie ball last year and only playing in 30 games, some familiar doubts have begun to creep in.
The Braves have really struggled recently in the international market, especially with their top signings. Jose Perdomo hasn't been healthy, Luis Guanipa finally got going this season after a very slow start to his pro career, and both Diego Benitez and Ambioris Tavarez are busts at this point. Teenagers are an incredibly risky demographic, and Atlanta has really struggled to find international talent when compared to most of the rest of the league that actually gets to the majors.
Thankfully, this is a relatively recent phenomenon, but it is one that needs a course correction in a hurry. If Tornes can get back on track in 2027 (and perhaps a couple of other "lesser" signings stepping up), the Braves' international operation will be in a good place. If not, Atlanta will have some hard questions to answer, even with Alfredo Sena likely joining the organization soon.
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