30. Corbin Clouse – Left-Handed Relief Pitcher
Between high-A and double-A, Corbin Clouse was a strikeout-machine in 2017. Unfortunately, he was also a bit of a walk-machine, issuing 5.4 free passes per nine innings over 57 innings of work. Despite all of the walks, Clouse pitched to a 2.53 ERA and allowed just two home runs all year (both in double-A).
The 22-year-old struggled in the Arizona Fall League following the 2017 regular season, giving up 18 runs in 22 innings, although he may have been a bit fatigued from the workload he took on over the course of the season. Overall, Clouse took significant steps in 2017 towards becoming an MLB reliever.
29. Jared James – Outfielder
Jared James‘ solid season with double-A Mississippi was overshadowed by the performance of higher-ranking prospects, but it should not be forgotten. The 23-year-old outfielder held his own in 2017, slashing .279/.352/.415 in 113 games (383 PA), collecting 30 extra-base hits over that span.
James’ respectable 8.6% walk rate and fairly low 14.6% strikeout rate through 173 minor league games may get him further than anything else, but he certainly hasn’t disappointed when he puts wood on the ball. A .415 slugging percentage for a guy that only weighs 185 pounds at 6-foot-1 is impressive, and if he can put on a few extra pounds of muscle, his power numbers could improve.
28. Thomas Burrows – Left-Handed Relief Pitcher
2017 was Thomas Burrows‘ first year in a Braves uniform, and he did not disappoint a soul. After posting a 2.16 ERA and 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings, the former University of Alabama closer may be on the fast track to the MLB. Burrows has an excellent chance to be in an Atlanta Braves uniform by mid-2019, if not September of 2018.
The way things are looking right now, the Braves are grooming Burrows to be a multi-inning guy, and that certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing to have at the Major League level. I’m expecting Burrows to spend about a month at high-A Florida before being bumped up to Mississippi, where he will be put to the ultimate test.