Over the past few years, the Braves have always had a luxury of prospects in their system. This year is no different. Here are some of the top prospects to watch out for in 2019.
(Name, Position, Age)
- Austin Riley, 3B, 21
Riley is easily the most anticipated prospect to reach the show in the 2019 campaign. The Mississippi native hits for power with a solid glove. He has also worked in the outfield in spring training, due to the recent signing of former MVP Josh Donaldson, who plays third base as well. In 2018, in AAA, AA, and six rehab games in rookie ball, he batted .294 with 19 homers and 70 RBI’s.
- Mike Soroka, RHP, 21
Soroka made his major league debut last season and compiled a 3.51 ERA over five starts in the months of May and June. He left 2018 with a shoulder injury, that kept him from returning in 2018. After having some minor issues with his shoulder again in spring training, he should be back on track and in Atlanta in April.
- Ian Anderson, RHP, 20
The former 3rd overall pick of the 2016 draft is regarded by many to have the highest ceiling of any other Braves pitching prospect. The soon to be 21-year-old is being invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee. He combined for a 2.49 ERA pitching in advanced-A and AA ball.
- Touki Toussaint, RHP, 22
Acquired from the Diamondbacks in 2015, Touki has shown great promise with his big curveball and mound composure. He made his debut in the show in September of last season, posting a 4.03 ERA with 32 punchouts over 29 innings. Although he has faced ups and downs in spring training, you will still find him in Atlanta this season.
- Kyle Wright, RHP, 23
Selected with the 5th pick out of Vanderbilt in 2017, the 23-year-old Alabama native pitched in 4 games for the Atlanta Braves, posting a 4.50 ERA. He represented the Braves in last year’s Futures Game. He has also impressed many by his performance in spring training. He should be a significant contributor for the Braves this season, as he will start on the opening day roster. He will start in the 3rdgame of the season on Sunday against the Phillies.
- Cristian Pache, OF, 20
Pache, entering his age 20 season, exceeded everyone’s expectations in Spring Training with the Braves as a non-roster invitee. With one of our own Turner Markwalter saying “Pache has one of the most beautiful swings I’ve ever seen,” you can assume that Pache has a nice bat. Not only does he have a nice bat, but his glove is also superior in the Braves farm system. His career minor league fielding percentage is 98%.
- Drew Waters, OF, 20
Drew is a home-grown kid from Cherokee County, less than an hour from SunTrust Park. Waters bears the switch-hitting ability with a great glove in the outfield. He batted .293 with 23 stolen bases.
- Bryse Wilson, RHP, 21
Wilson was a pleasant surprise to some in the farm system last year. He had such a great year that he started in advanced-A and then ended up making his MLB debut in September. In the minors last year, Wilson tossed a 3.44 ERA. Due to injuries and matchup preferences, he will start in the 2ndgame of the season on Saturday against the Phillies.
- Kolby Allard, LHP, 21
Entering in 2018, Allard was much higher on most prospect lists than number 9. That is due to his forgettable major league debut in September of last year. Other than that, the left-hander has been very reliable, earning a 2.72 ERA in AAA last season.
- Luiz Gohara, LHP, 22
Assumed to be the 5th starter entering 2018, Gohara struggled on and off the field. He posted a 5.95 ERA over nine games in Atlanta. However, after having a very focused offseason, he is looking to make new strides in 2019.
- William Contreras, C, 21
Brother of Cubs star catcher Wilson, William is looking to carry out his own legacy. He is considered by many to be the most underrated prospect and the biggest potential climber in 2019.
- Kyle Muller, LHP, 21
Drafted in the 2ndround in 2016, the lefty has impressed many with how his velocity has risen since his name was called in the draft. He was invited to spring training this year, tossing a 1.93 ERA with 13.5 strikeouts per nine.
- Joey Wentz, LHP, 21
The former first-round pick did damage in A+ ball last year, posting a 2.28 ERA. Wentz is highly regarded as someone with great potential, which will hopefully make his debut in Atlanta in the next year or two.
- Greyson Jenista, OF, 22
Drafted out of Wichita State, Jenista was the college bat that every Brave fan wanted. He can hit for power and plays first base as well. Look for him to develop fast over the next couple of years.
- Freddy Tarnok, RHP, 20
Entering his age 20 season, you won’t see him debut anytime soon like Soroka or Wilson. He is raw and has great stuff. It is only a matter of developing over time.
A big thanks to following ASP team members for helping me compile this list: Kale Diestel, Turner Markwalter, Mick Barnett, and Luke Dabbs.
