Kansas City Royals land former top prospect in deal with Atlanta Braves

It is not overly surprising that the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves would team up for a trade. What is surprising is that the trade did not impact either major league roster.

The Royals have sent the 35th overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft to the Braves. In exchange, they are receiving a trio of minor leagues – former top prospect Drew Waters, pitcher Andrew Hoffman, and infielder CJ Alexander. While draft picks typically cannot be traded, this selection is one of the Competitive Balance picks, which are the only selections that can be dealt.

Kansas City Royals add trio of Atlanta Braves prospects

Waters is easily the most recognizable of that trio of names. He had been a consensus top 100 prospect from 2019 through 2021 although he has lost a lot of that luster. His struggles with the bat at Triple-A, where he has posted a mediocre .246/.324/.383 batting line with just 18 homers and 34 doubles while stealing 36 bases in 788 plate appearances. The tools and potential are there for Waters to become a future star, but his lack of plate discipline has hindered his growth. Despite his youth, it is fair to wonder if he will ever live up to his potential.

Hoffman was a 12th round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft but is showing the potential to outperform that status. He has posted a solid 2.36 ERA and a 1.050 WHiP in his 80 innings, striking out 90 batters with 21 walks. He has a three pitch mix, with a potentially plus slider, a fastball that can touch the mid 90s, and a solid changeup. While he is currently viewed as a back of the rotation arm, Hoffman could surprise as he moves through the Royals’ system.

Alexander has plenty of power, but plenty of questions. He has 15 homers and 11 doubles in 289 plate appearances at Double-A this season, but has also struck out 63 times with 14 walks. While he is old for the level, and is currently in his third year at Double-A, his power potential and ability to play either corner infield slot make him worth a gamble for the Royals.

For the Braves, they get a relatively high pick that could help restock the top of their prospect lists after the Matt Olson trade. That pick is also worth a shade over $2 million in terms of the bonus tool, giving the Braves more than $10 million for signing bonuses. It could be that the Braves are projecting someone to slide down the draft, allowing them an opportunity to take a player they may not otherwise have a chance with.

The Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves have swung a deal. In exchange for the 35th overall selection in the 2022 Draft, the Royals have a trio of prospects.