David McCabe
The fourth-rounder in the 2022 draft is having a solid start to the year in Augusta. David McCabe sits at 24 on the Braves prospect rankings and is an intriguing college bat that could progress quickly through the system if all goes well.
Through 156 plate appearances, McCabe is hitting .246/.378/.397 4 HR, 22 R, 17 RBI, 1 SB, .381 wOBA, & 124 wRC+. I would like to see a little more power over the .151 ISO, but it is nothing to complain about currently. A 17.3% walk rate is really nice to see.
David McCabe launches a opposite field homer!
— Ralph Greene (@Ralph_Greene945) May 13, 2023
Just after Workinger extended his hitting streak, the UNC Charlotte product launched one to left center making it just a 4-3 deficit for the Jackets!@GreenJackets @DavidMcCabe73 pic.twitter.com/xei9VzVdg4
He is listed as both a first and third baseman, but is primarily playing third base in the organization. The hope is he could develop there with his plus arm. However, a move to first permanently or maybe a corner outfielder spot might not be out of question either.
He is another guy who is older at 23 for A-ball. I would imagine he would move to Rome at some point if he continues to play well.
Adam Shoemaker
The Braves 27th ranked prospect joined the Braves as an eleventh-round selection in the 2021 draft. The giant 6'6 lefty has plenty of projection to him but has yet to really see it come together. Through 7 games (4 starts), Adam Shoemaker has a 4.71 ERA, 5.08 FIP, and 5.36 xFIP over 21 innings. A 20.5% strikeout rate and 15.9% walk rate do not help either.
It has not been a great start to Shoemaker 2023 season. Hopefully he can get it turned around soon. He might be more of a reliever long-term though.
Justin Janas
Justin Janas was the Braves' eleventh-round selection last year, and while he is not currently in the Braves' top 30, I think he is right outside of it. With a solid stretch, it would not surprise me to see him sneak his way into the top 30.
Through 132 plate appearances, Janas is hitting .292/.394/.381 1 HR, 23 R, 11 RBI, 3 SB, with a .386 wOBA, & 128 wRC+. The hit tool is what got him drafted, the question will be if he can develop more power while with the organization.
As someone who primarily plays first base or DH, he will need to find more power eventually. The hit tool is really nice though, so it could buy him more time.
At 22, he might move on the Rome soon as well.
Cedric De Grandpre
Another name not on the Braves' top 30 list, but someone I wanted to highlight as well. Cedric De Grandpre was selected in the 13th round during the 2022 draft and there were scouts saying he would be a name to keep an eye on as a later selection.
In 6 games (4 starts) De Grandpre has a 1.69 ERA, 2.92 FIP, and 2.88 xFIP. He is striking out 32.4% of batters and only walking 6.9%. It remains to be seen exactly what the Braves have here, but the early returns are looking good.
The Braves may have found something in Cedric De Grandpre, 13th rounder out of Chipola JuCo. After 5 scoreless today he has a 2.18 ERA/0.87 WHIP and 27 K in 20.2 IP. FB sat 92-93 the whole game. Has nice fade on his mid-80s change and his mid-80s slider has really nice movement. pic.twitter.com/bwjxv03yZe
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) May 9, 2023
Cedric De Grandpre might be a name to keep an eye on as an under the radar prospect.