The Braves might have the best crop of young talent in the league, and it seems to never end.
The club already had an impressive core of young talent before Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider burst onto the scene as the pair established themselves as two of the best players at their respective positions. Now, the next wave is here in Dylan Dodd, Jared Shuster, and Vaughn Grissom.
Atlanta was ranked second in Fox Sports’ 26-and-under power rankings.
No. 2 Atlanta Braves
26-and-under total score: 23 (out of 30)Big-league position players: 12 (out of 10)
It’s easy to see why the Braves are No. 2 in our talent rankings. Their young hitting breaks the scale with names we’ve been familiar with for years now, including a few under-26 players who were a part of Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run. These are the same names who commanded our attention in the early days of their big-league call ups and the same ones who signed long-term extensions that will keep them in Atlanta throughout their prime
Ronald Acuña Jr. is projected to have a big season two years removed from his 2021 ACL tear, and he’s set to do so at age 25. Austin Riley, a franchise pillar, and Ozzie Albies, who owns a pair of Silver Slugger awards, are about to enter their age-26 seasons. Michael Harris II, coming off a Rookie of the Year season in the National League, is fresh off his 22nd birthday.
There aren’t many outlets that respect the Braves farm system, but the organization continues to pump out major league talent. Fox Sports didn’t even mention Spencer Strider or the pair of rookies in Shuster and Dodd. That’s on top of Ian Anderson, Bryce Elder, and Mike Soroka waiting in the wings of Triple-A Gwinnett.
The Braves have an embarrassment of riches. They’ve got power in the lineup 1-9, a stable of arms, and plenty of depth waiting for their chance to make an impact in Atlanta. These are the golden years, folks.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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