For much of the season, the Braves top prospect was either Hurston Waldrep or A.J. Smith-Shawver, but that’s not necessarily the case anymore.
According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel’s top 100 prospects rankings, Atlanta’s top prospect is catcher Drake Baldwin, followed by Nacho Avlarez and Hurston Waldrep.
44. Drake Baldwin, C, Atlanta Braves/AAA, Age: 23.4
78. Nacho Alvarez Jr., SS, Atlanta Braves/AAA, Age: 21.3
98. Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Atlanta Braves/AAA, Age: 22.4
If he was eligible, Spencer Schwellenbach would be the highest-ranked prospect in the Braves farm system, and it wouldn’t even be close. If Baldwin, who is by all accounts an exciting prospect, is ranked 44th, Schwellenbach would be sniffing the top 10.
Baldwin is dominating Triple-A, batting .300 with a .901 OPS thanks to seven home runs in 42 games. The Braves’ top position prospects are also two potential positions of need for the major league club. Travis d’Arnaud isn’t going to be around forever, paving the way for Baldwin to platoon with Sean Murphy while Alvarez could potentially replace Orlando Arcia at shortstop.
As we saw in his mini stint at second base, Alvarez’s game still needs some seasoning, but development is never linear. Similarly, Waldrep needs to refine his offerings if he’s to contribute in Atlanta next season.
I’m a bit surprised AJ Smith-Shawver did not make McDaniel’s top 100 prospects. 2024 hasn’t been a year to remember for the young right-handed pitcher, highlighted by injuries and inconsistencies, but he’s still oozing with potential, which is what prospect rankings are all about. If Hurston Waldrep is still considered a top 100 prospect, Smith-Shawver should be firmly included in these rankings.
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Photographer: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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