Baseball America released their organizational rankings Monday morning,
and the Atlanta Braves found themselves in a familiar position.
The Atlanta Braves were a near-unanimous top farm system in the game last offseason, with some heavy discussion from the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox. On Monday, Baseball America became the second national ranking service to recognize the Atlanta Braves on top of minor league systems in the game again for 2018.
After the November punishment that removed 12 players and a future player from the Braves, many thought the loss of so many previous high-dollar signees would knock the Braves system down in rankings this offseason. However, the progression of a number of prospects in the system along with graduations in other top systems have allowed the Braves to remain on top.
Who the Atlanta Braves graduated in 2017
Atlanta saw the top 3 on my pre-2017 top 100 graduate from prospect status in 2017, which would usually be a “death blow” to an organization’s overall status.
Dansby Swanson‘s graduation was expected, as he was essentially one game away from eclipsing prospect status. Ozzie Albies played more than many Braves fans would have liked, but he had an excellent debut. Lefty Sean Newcomb had some ups and downs, but he had flashes of a future #2/3 starter that could rack up a ton of productive innings.
Other players saw enough time at the majors to earn their way off the 2018 list as well as Lucas Sims worked well in the major leagues in the bullpen, as did Jason Hursh. Rio Ruiz played enough at the hot corner to use up his rookie eligibility.
The guy that surprised many was infielder Johan Camargo, who continued the offensive jump he made in 2016 after a swing adjustment and hit well in his pro debut in 2017. Barring a major addition, Camargo will figure in as the starting third baseman in 2018.
The guys to watch for 2018
Of the three major lists that have been released so far (Baseball America, Keith Law, MLB Pipeline), Ronald Acuna has ranked as the #1 prospect in two of the lists and #2 on the other. He will likely take over in the outfield for the Braves in the early part of the season.
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On the mound, lefties Max Fried and Luiz Gohara should spend significant time in the major leagues in 2018, whether it’s in the rotation or in the bullpen. A.J. Minter will have a prominent role in the 2018 bullpen, and his incredible stuff should allow him success as the likely primary lefty setup man.
Outfielder Dustin Peterson was on his way to making the big league club out of spring before he broke his hamate bone last spring, and once he returned, he simply never recovered his power on the season (not uncommon with that injury). Fully recovered in 2018, Peterson could be a guy who runs with a starting outfield spot from the first day of the season and holds onto significant playing time even when Acuna comes up.
The Braves pushed the first three picks of their 2015 draft class to AA over the course of 2017 and saw all three succeed, in spite of none of them being old enough to purchase a beer!
Mike Soroka and Kolby Allard started the season with AA Mississippi, and they produced well enough to believe they could push for at least a September call up, if not more, in 2018.
Third baseman Austin Riley was the surprise player, as he put up average numbers in the Florida State League, but once promoted to Mississippi, he tore the cover off of the ball, hitting .315/.389/.511 with 8 home runs in just 48 games.
However, even if all eight mentioned players graduate from the 2019 list, the Braves would still return six players who have appeared in at least one top 100 list that’s been released so far this winter, with more to come!
Next: Atlanta Braves Offseason Blueprint
The Atlanta Braves are still the best organization in baseball for 2018, and the way things are looking, they have a good shot at holding that title in 2019 as well!