The Atlanta Braves system may be weak, but the cupboard is far from bare.
Twenty-year-old second baseman Jose Peraza’s exciting tools and advanced feel for the game have him on the fast track to the major leagues, while the team’s top prospect from 2014, right-hander Lucas Sims, seems poised for a bounce-back campaign.
Catcher Christian Bethancourt’s bat didn’t develop in the high minors as hoped, and questions remain about the 23-year-old’s hit-tool potential, but he’s an absolute monster defensively and ready for a near-everyday role in 2015.
2014 first-round pick Braxton Davidson (No. 32 overall) has big raw power and a short swing to make it play, but the left-handed hitter struggled to drive the ball this summer between two rookie levels. Meanwhile, 18-year-old shortstop Ozhaino Albies got everyone’s attention last summer by batting .364 across a pair of rookie levels.
Atlanta has added several notable prospects to its system this offseason through trades, as it acquired right-hander Tyrell Jenkins from St. Louis (Jason Heyward deal) and left-hander Manny Banuelos from the Yankees (David Carpenter deal). And last but not least, the Braves also received left-hander Max Fried, third baseman Dustin Peterson and center fielder Mallex Smith from the Padres in return for Justin Upton.
Here are the Atlanta Braves’ top 10 prospects for the 2015 season.