Yesterday, I covered the Braves’ five best trade chips, as far as prospects are concerned. It wasn’t just a list of the five best prospects. Instead, I focused on the five best players the Braves might actually be willing to deal in a blockbuster trade for a superstar player. Today, we will focus on the three guys that are the least likely to be moved. Whether it be because of their talent or the Braves’ lack of depth at a position, these three guys aren’t going anywhere.
 3. Braden Shewmake
Shewmake is currently the fifth-best prospect in Atlanta’s system, according to MLB.com. However, because he plays shortstop and is the only high-quality player at the position even close to the majors, he makes the list. Shewmake was one of the Braves’ first-round picks in 2019 and performed so well in his first year of professional ball that he was promoted to AA Mississippi. We will see how much he progressed after a lost season, but he should find himself in AAA Gwinnett at some point next year. The only other shortstop prospect the Braves have in their top 30 is Vaughn Grissom, who is only 19 years old.
2. Cristian Pache
MLB.com still has Pache ranked as the Braves’ top prospect. That’s hard to imagine after what Ian Anderson did last season. However, it is proof of just how high scouts are on Pache. Braves fans were able to see glimpses of his brilliant defense when he was forced into action in the NLCS, and he also showed off some power with his first major-league home run. The Braves don’t have to start him in the majors right away, but they might. Either way, it won’t be long before he is a staple in Atlanta’s outfield to the left of Ronald Acuña.
1. Ian Anderson
Yes, technically, Ian Anderson is still a prospect, even though he dominated all of last season and into the playoffs. Mike Soroka and Max Fried have proven to be legitimate #1 candidates, but after what we saw in 2020, Anderson might be the best of the bunch. His poise under pressure was unbelievable as a rookie, and for the most part, his fastball, changeup, curveball mix was unhittable. Perhaps hitters start to catch on as they see Anderson more, but experience should only further his confidence, which is already sky-high. The Angels would have to offer Mike Trout for the Braves to trade Anderson.
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