FanGraphs is one of my favorite sites when it comes to everything baseball, but you can add them to the list of people who believe the Braves farm system has taken a tumble over the last year. In a way, I completely understand. The Braves have seen a ton of tremendous prospects graduate in recent seasons, including last year. However, I believe Alex Anthopoulos has done a top-notch job of replenishing that talent through the draft, so I’m not too concerned with the state of the farm system. That’s just what happens when a team wins a World Series, especially in the minds of prospect evaluators.
Among FanGraph’s Top 100 Prospects, only two Braves made the list, but I’m more surprised by the name they left off, Michael Harris, who is widely considered by most to be the top prospect in Atlanta’s organization. Now, that doesn’t mean FanGraphs doesn’t believe in Harris’ talent, but it does serve as a reminder that fans should temper their expectations when it comes to the local product.
The hype around this kid is palpable and well-deserved. Harris is one of the true five-tool prospects that you’ll find at the lower levels of the minors, but that’s just the thing; he’s yet to even make it past High-A. What Harris has done so far in his minor-league career has exceeded all expectations. Hell, most even thought he would be a pitcher when he was coming out of high school. However, those already proclaiming him to be the next Ronald Acuña or Andruw Jones are probably going to be disappointed.
Like most prospect outlets, I believe the sky is the limit for Michael Harris. He’s thrived at every level thus far and oozes with potential, but this is a reminder that he’s far from a proven commodity just yet. There’s no way anybody should be considering him ‘untradeable.’
Shea Langeliers (no. 70) and Cristian Pache (no. 72) were the only Braves prospects that made the Top 100.Â
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