Florida:
Who’s Hot?
Riley Delgado (SS)– Delgado, through 13 games played, has a slash line of .363/.431/.404 (average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) with all of his hits being singles, minus one triple. He is also tied for the team lead in runs scored with 7.
William Contreras (C)– Brother to the Cubs all-star backstop Wilson Contreras, William has gotten off to a decent start. Contreras has a slash line of .250/.321/.75 with one homer on the season. While the offensive numbers don’t scream “Hot Start,” he has yet to commit an error behind the plate. Few catchers are offensive juggernauts. The Braves will be more pleased with no defensive missteps and how he handles the talented pitching staff. Any offensive production, above what is considered average, will be viewed as a bonus.
Huascar Ynoa (SP)– The 19th ranked prospect in the Braves system, according to prospectslive.com, has started to show glimpses into what his future could be. Anytime someone can throw 100 mph; a dominant closer enters my mind. The flamethrowing right-hander currently has an 0-1 record, with a 3.27 ERA, and 16 Strikeouts in 11 Innings. His issues are primarily command related, and his 6 Walks aren’t helping with remedying those issues. Still, the potential in this young man’s right arm is worth keeping an eye on.
Who’s Not?
Greyson Jenista (RF)- .217/.308/.283, 0 Homers
Izzy Wilson (LF)- .158/.238/.263, 2 Doubles, 1 Triple
Drew Lugbauer (1B)- .114/.291/.295, 2 Doubles, 2 Homers
Freddy Tarnok (SP)- 0-1, 4.73 ERA, 13.1 Innings Pitched, 7 Walks, 13 Strikeouts
Tristan Beck (SP)- 0-1, 7.82 ERA, 12.2 Innings Pitched, 5 Walks, 15 Strikeouts
Mississippi:
Who’s Hot?
Cristian Pache (CF)– Pache is the #2 prospect in the Braves system, and the top position player. A big knock early was on Pache’s lack of power. He is putting that to rest. IN 12 games played, Pache has a slash line of .333/.377/.688 with 5 Doubles, 3 Triples, and 2 Homers. Pache is labeled as, arguably, the top defender in the organization. This includes players already with the big league club. Add this type of offensive production to that lofty praise, and the Braves may have the second coming of Andruw Jones in Mississippi.
Drew Waters (CF)– The man competing with Pache to be the next outfield prospect to make it is Drew Waters. The switch-hitter who shows 20-20 potential (20 homers and 20 stolen bases) is another young player who has started hot. Through 11 games, Waters shows off a .340/.397/.453 slash line with 6 Doubles. He has yet to join the home run club, but it will not be long before Waters is hitting tanks.
Ian Anderson (SP)– Anderson is a top-5 prospect in the organization, and is putting up numbers that validate that ranking. He has yet to notch a win with a 0-0 record but carries a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings pitched. 8 Walks is too many, and Anderson will agree with that statement. However, he also has 15 Strikeouts. The walks will decrease, and Ian will be in AAA by season’s end, guaranteed.
Joey Wentz (SP)-The southpaw is ranked 13th overall in the organization, and he wishes to change that for the better. With a 0-0 record, Wentz has a 1.08 ERA to compliment 11 Strikeouts in 8.1 Innings.
Kyle Muller (SP)– Muller, the 11th-ranked player in the organization, has been dominantly wild to this point. Muller sports a 0-0 record but also has a 0.00 ERA. Through 7 Innings Pitched, the lefty has 11 Strikeouts, but also 8 Walks. The walks will decrease, and Muller will be a pitcher to follow closely.
Patrick Weigel (RP)– Weigel, the 18th-ranked player in the organization, is a feel-good story for Braves Country. He dominated up to AA and then his elbow exploded. Weigel is returning to form after Tommy John Surgery and looks to be a bullpen arm for the big club in the near future. Weigel has yet to give up a run in 2.2 Innings Pitched but has walked four batters.
Who’s Not?
CJ Alexander (3B)- .143/.306/.179, 1 Double through 11 games
Ray-Patrick Didder (SS)- .107/.324/.179, 1 Triple through 10 games played
Gwinnett:
Who’s Hot?
Travis Demeritte (LF)– Demeritte is off to a hot start, and is looking to get a shot with the big club. He currently has a .279/.360/.419 slash line with 3 Doubles and a Home Run. Demeritte was acquired and seen as a project. If he continues on this production path, look for him to get a cup of coffee in the majors.
Adam Duvall (LF)– Duvall may not be a prospect, but his start is still worth mentioning. Considering how atrocious he was in 2018, a slash line of .308/.403/.442 is cause for optimism. Duvall has 5 Doubles but has not hit a homer yet. If Duvall continues to produce this way, he will either serve as a trade chip or find his way back to Atlanta.
Kolby Allard (SP)– Allard has been dominant thus far in 2019 with a 1-0 record, a 0.96 ERA, and 8 Strikeouts over 9.1 Innings Pitched. The southpaw has one the highest floors of any prospect and will be a major league pitcher for 10+ years if he stays healthy.
Who’s Not?
Austin Riley (3B)- .185/.254/.315 1 Double and 2 Homers
Bryse Wilson (SP)- 0-2, 5.40 ERA, 16 Strikeouts in 16.2 Innings Pitched
Kyle Wright (SP)- 0-1, 11.25 ERA, 2 Strikeouts in 4 Innings Pitched