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Atlanta Braves REVISED Top 10 Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 15, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; The Atlanta Braves logo painted on the field during a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; The Atlanta Braves logo painted on the field during a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Ronald Acuna, OF

Birthdate: 12/18/97 (18 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie, low-A
Stats in 2016: .312/.392/.429, 4 HR, 14 SB

As much attention as fellow teenager Victor Robles gets, many that saw both have been very outspoken that if Acuna had remained healthy for the entire season, he’d have surpassed Robles.

The Venezuela native was supposed to be in his first full season with Rome in 2016, but he injured his wrist in early May that kept him out until August.

While many see the power/speed splits of Acuna in his stat line and assume he’s a very speedy young player, in fact Acuna’s trademark is his incredible raw power. He puts on a show in batting practice, and his swings on balls that he drives are often not in the best position, yet he gets incredible drive on the ball.

Acuna’s trademark is his incredible raw power

Acuna has the instincts to play center field very well. I’ve heard comparisons on his instincts to a former Brave center fielder, Andruw Jones, and that’s about as high praise as you can get on outfield instincts as exists. His arm is above-average, though not on the level of “elite”, but certainly enough for center.

Acuna will turn 19 in December and play all of 2017 as a teenager, likely starting at the Braves’ new high-A affiliate in Florida. His exceptional skills will be on display in 2017, and he could be the guy on top of this list in 2017.

Next: #4

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