Atlanta Braves' Top Prospects at Each Position
As the minor league season begins letโs take a look at the Braves prospect depth at each position. Atlanta uses its minor league system as much as any other major league team. The Braves didn't open the season with one or two rookies in the bullpen; they opened up with three rookies playing important roles in the bullpenโGus Schlosser, Ian Thomas and Ryan Buchter.ย
On the following slides, I'll highlight the top prospects around the horn and on the mound. You can expect to see almost all of these players in Atlanta in the near future.
Braves' Catching Prospects
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First up are the catchers in the Braves system. The Atlanta organization has always been good at developing catchers. Even though Brian McCann has moved on, and Evan Gattis is no longer a prospect, the system has terrific depth at the catching position.
Christianย BethancourtโBilled as Atlantaโs catcher of the future for the past few years, heโs now one step away from the majors at Triple-A. Bethancourt is often referred to by scouts as being the best catch-and-throw backstop in the minors. His defense could be Gold Glove caliber in the majors right now, but his bat is lagging far behind. If his bat can break through, then he could be a perennial All-Star.
Victorย CaratiniโAfter he signed last season the Braves put him at third base, but they moved him to the catching position this season. Caratini, a switch-hitter, is one of the best hitting prospects in the Braves system. While he has a line-drive stroke the team hopes that he will eventually develop more power in much the way Freddie Freeman grew into his power as he moved up the minor league ladder.
Yenierย BelloโSigned during spring training, this 29-year-old Cuban defector is not a typical prospect, but older prospects have never scared away the Braves. The original thinking was that he might not be a prospect because of his age, but the team gave him a $400,000 signing bonus, so they must see something there. He is not yet playing in a full-season league, but he is supposed to be at about the Double-A level.
Braves' First Base Prospects
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First base is possibly the weakest position in the organization, so I guess itโs a good thing that the guy manning first base in Atlanta is signed for the next eight years.ย
Ernesto MejiaโErnesto is pretty much the only prospect worth mentioning here, and even he is much older for a prospect at 29 years old. He has big-time power but not much mobility in the field. For that reason heโs better suited to be a DH. He's an easy guy to root for, and he's good insurance to have in case there is an injury to Freeman, but hopefully some team will call the Braves and ask them for Ernesto. The Braves would probably let him go for one of those "cash consideration" trades.
Braves' Second Base Prospects
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With a perennially struggling Dan Uggla at second base in Atlanta, fans will be looking eagerly to the farm system for any sort of replacement. Luckily there are several very good options coming up through the system.
Tommy La StellaโThe best hitter in the Braves organization, La Stellaโs bat seems ready for prime time, but his defense will always be a work in progress. Heโs at Triple-A this season, just waiting for the call from Atlanta.
Jose PerazaโOne of the fastest players in the Braves system, the Braves moved Peraza from shortstop this season, not because of any defensive liability, but because Andrelton Simmons is firmly established in Atlanta, and they want Peraza to be ready to possibly take over second when Ugglaโs contract is up in two years. An infield defense with Simmons and Peraza up the middle would allow very few balls to escape.
Levi HyamsโA college hitter with good strike-zone judgement, Hyams could be a decent option at first or second, as well as a good utility infielder and pinch hitter.
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Braves' Third Base Prospects
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Before Chris Johnson emerged last season, Chipper Jones' successor at third base was a huge question mark. Johnson has the job for the next few years, but there are a few prospects who could move the organization in their direction.
Edward SalcedoโThe Braves' international bonus baby several years ago has moved steadily through the system without much fanfare. While he finds himself at Triple-A this season, his talent has not materialized into consistent results on the field.
Kyle KubitzaโAfter La Stella, Kubitza is probably the best hitter in the system and has a bit more power bubbling under the surface. Heโs an excellent defender at third base and will be facing his toughest test at Double-A this season.
Victor CaratiniโWhile I listed him on the catcher depth chart, heโs also listed here. He played third last season, and while the organization moved him to catcher this season, thereโs a chance he could move back to third. His bat will play wherever his defense takes him.
Braves' Shortstop Prospects
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With Andrelton Simmons cemented at shortstop for the foreseeable future, any prospects developed here should just be icing on the cakeโฆor trade bait.
Jose PerazaโHe is also listed on the second base depth chart, but heโs got the footwork, quickness, range and arm to play short.
Johan CamargoโA switch-hitter, Camargo is the Braves' next big prospect find from Panama. Heโs raw in all facets of the game, but oozing with talent.
Elmer ReyesโA small seemingly insignificant prospect, Reyes continues to work his way through the Atlanta system, with the Braves showing a lot of confidence in him. Heโs probably better suited for a utility infield role, but as weโve seen in recent years thatโs an important role on any team.
Braves' Outfield Prospects
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This is a surprisingly weak area for the team, as several highly drafted outfield prospects have not worked out as the Braves had hoped. Still, there are some talented players in this group.
Josh ElanderโA stocky but athletic outfielder, Elander has some of the best power in the Braves system. The organization moved him from catcher to the outfield last year, and he has taken nicely to the position. He combines a power stroke with a good batting eye.
Victor ReyesโThe next big international prospect that youโll hear about in the Braves organization, Reyes is a five-tool outfield prospect and my pick to have a breakout season this year.
Kyle WrenโThe general managerโs son, but donโt let that fool you. Kyle Wren is a legit major league prospect. As an advanced college hitter, he has perfected the art of small ball to get on base, and he has the wheels to steal a ton of bases.
Braves' Starting Pitching Prospects
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Before injuries shut down Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy for the season, the Braves were planning on going with a completely homegrown starting pitching staff of Medlen, Beachy, Julio Teheran, Mike Minor and Alex Wood. Starting pitching was what their 14 straight division championships were built on, and that legacy continues with todayโs major league starters and minor league prospects.
Lucas SimsโThe best pitcher in the system and one of the top 20 pitching prospects in baseball. Itโs not a matter of if heโll be a major league pitcher, but when (probably next year).
J.R. GrahamโA hard-thrower in a small package. He missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. His stuff is almost major league ready, but will he be a starter or a reliever? That is the question.
Jason HurshโDrafted just last year, heโs already at Double-A. Heโs on the Mike Minor-style accelerated timetable and could be ready to contribute this season.
Mauricio CabreraโThe top international arm in the Braves organization. His fastball is the feature attraction, but he also has a very advanced feel for pitching.
Wes ParsonsโโThe next Brandon Beachy,โ Parsons was a non-drafted free agent who dominated the Sally League last year. Scouts rave about his good fastball and plus control.
Braves' Relief Pitching Prospects
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The Braves have been filling their bullpen with homegrown prospects for decades. Their player development system has focused on drafting and developing relievers in recent years, with Craig Kimbrel being their crown jewel. This season two young relievers, Ian Thomas and Gus Schlosser, are already playing important roles in the Atlanta bullpen. There are more relievers where they came from.
Shae SimmonsโLike Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel, Simmons is a hard thrower in a small package. Simmons is on a trajectory that should put him in the majors late this year or early next year, and like Kimbrel, Simmons should only get better as he gains more experience.
Juan JaimeโThe hardest thrower in the Braves system, he can pump his fastball up to 100 mph. He still has to work on smoothing out the rough edges of his game and consistently harnessing his control, but once he does that he will be an asset to the Atlanta pen.
Ryan BuchterโHe opened the season with the Braves because of the Cory Gearrin injury but was sent down without ever throwing a pitch when the team signed Pedro Beato. Buchter has a fastball and a slider that are both plus strikeout pitches, especially against lefties, but his control still needs work.
Luis VasquezโSigned in the off-season, he was considered one of the best pitchers in the Dominican Winter League. He was slowed with an injury in spring training, but his mid-90s sidearm fastball should be able to help in Atlanta at some point this season.
John CornelyโA bulldog and a fighter on the mound, he attacks hitters with three average-to-plus pitches. Like Shae Simmons, Cornely should only get better as he gains more experience.
Some content for this article was sourced from CB Wilkins "2014 Atlanta Braves Prospect Book," and to a lesser extent the "2014 Baseball America Prospect Handbook."
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