7. Joey Wentz – Left-Handed Starting Pitcher
Joey Wentz perhaps matched Bryse Wilson’s effectiveness at 19 years-old with Rome in 2017. The lefty put up a 2.60 ERA to go along with 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 26 starts (131.2 IP) with the Rome Braves and maybe the best left-handed pitching prospect in the Atlanta Braves’ system.
Entering his age-20 season, Joey Wentz’s skills will be put to the test against more talented hitters in high-A and eventually double-A, and if he matches the production of the double-A pitching prospects before him, things will get very interesting once he and fellow youngster Bryse Wilson are knocking on the door to the MLB.
6. Cristian Pache – Outfielder
My favorite low-level prospect in the Atlanta Braves’ system may be Cristian Pache. I recently caught some harsh criticism after comparing Pache to former MLB star Grady Sizemore, but I’m sticking to my prediction that Pache will eventually develop at least 20-homer power. In 119 games (514 PA) with Rome, an 18-year-old Pache batted .281 with 13 doubles, eight triples, and 32 stolen bases. Once Pache puts on some weight, we’ll see if he’s capable of hitting for power.
Even if Pache doesn’t develop power like I think he will, his 70-grade speed and defense will help him on his way to the MLB tremendously, and his smooth, quick swing will only increase the likelihood that he finds success as a hitter. Pache could very well turn into a Billy Hamilton-type player that can hit for a higher average, and I’m sure everyone would be okay with that.
5. Kolby Allard – Left-Handed Starting Pitcher
Still just 20 years-old, Kolby Allard has known nothing but success since donning a Braves’ uniform. The lefty owns a career 3.03 ERA in the minor leagues, making it as far as double-A in his age-19 season. Though he’s only amassed 243.2 innings of work since graduating from high school, it’s apparent that Allard is quite special.
Kolby Allard is a small-ish 6-foot-1, 190-pound lefty, but his curveball packs quite the punch, and he can command it with ease. Allard posted a 3.18 ERA and just 2.7 walks per nine innings through 27 starts (150 IP) with double-A Mississippi, and he’s one of two surefire starting pitchers in the Atlanta Braves’ organization that will get their first taste of MLB action in 2018, and don’t expect Allard to disappoint.