Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

POLL: Do Braves hold on too long to prospects?

Braves' top 2020 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jan 14, 2020

During a recent survey by MLB Pipeline of baseball executives, the Braves were found to have among the league's top farm systems.

The survey sought the anonymous opinion of general managers, scouting directors and executives from all 30 teams about prospects, top tools and farm systems.

The Braves are noted for holding the best pool of talent but also having the most overrated system. Atlanta is considered among the best franchises at developing pitchers (Kyle Wright) and hitters (Drew Waters). Nearly half of the survey respondents say Braves outfield prospect Cristian Pache is the best defensive prospect in all of baseball.

MLB Pipeline says of Pache: "The 21-year-old runs down anything and everything in center field thanks to his outstanding instincts, range and closing speed. Pache's offense requires further refinement, but the defense is big league-ready and could make him a perennial Gold Glover."

So while Atlanta has been able to build an impressive roster of talent, just how does that talent benefit the big-league club?

According to execs, not enough.

In a question asking, which team hordes prospects the most, Atlanta was among the top three vote-getters for holding too tightly to prospects.

The leading vote-getters in the category were: 
1. Padres (30%) 
2. Indians (17%) 
T3. Braves (13%) 
T3. Dodgers (13%) 
5. Rays (9%)

But the Braves have used their top prospects to build a playoff contender. Three of their most recent trades included highly regarded prospects. They include:
• Kolby Allard for Chris Martin.
•  Tristan Beck and Dan Winkler for Mark Melancon.
• Joey Wentz and Travis Demeritte for Shane Greene.

Are the Braves framed fairly as hoarders? Would you part with the talented youth? If so, who?

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution