Atlanta Braves: Up The Middle
The Atlanta Braves middle infield will also look to electrify. Double play combo Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies come with athleticism and prospect pedigree, both previously ranking as the Braves’ #1 prospect.
While Dansby Swanson struggled in 2017, I think he will be much more representative of his previous scouting reports in 2018. Scouts lauded Dansby for his above-average defense at shortstop as well as his combination of hit tool, plate discipline, and average to above average power. Dansby also has incredible makeup beyond his years, which should serve him well as he copes with the perils of the major leagues. There is certainly an element of prospect fatigue toward Dansby, but it’s important to realize that Dansby’s aggressive promotion was beyond his control. He is still the player who was a consensus top 3 MLB prospect.
Ozzie Albies is an above average shortstop playing at second base, and if you’ve noticed a trend, then good job. Acuna and Albies would both usually play higher on the defensive spectrum, but when you already have a potentially good defender at short and a Gold Glove winner in center field, you get better defensively better elsewhere. Ozzie is going to be among the best 2B defenders in baseball. He pairs this with an incredible hit tool and plus-speed that he has always garnered attention for a while, adding surprising power in 2017. Few things will be as exciting to behold as an Ozzie Albies triple in 2018.