The series rolls on as we approach the top ten. With another strong showing in the draft and some international signings, the Braves can get right back into the middle of the pack for farm system rankings — especially if they continue to develop guys like Michael Harris and Vaughn Grissom at the rate they have been. Enough talking, let’s get to the rankings. Previous editions are listed below:
- SportsTalkATL’s Braves 2023 Prospect Rankings: 40-31
- SportsTalkATL’s Braves 2023 Prospect Rankings: 30-26
- SportsTalkATL’s Braves 2023 Prospect Rankings: 25-21
- SportsTalkATL’s Braves 2023 Prospect Rankings: 20-16
#15 OF Brandol Mezquita (A+)
Right now, Mezquita is a little more sizzle than steak, but the Braves don’t have a lot of sizzle in their system. Mezquita is a strong defender with gap-to-gap power — the archetype of player the Braves have had success developing in recent years. After posting an .854 OPS in 2021, his .710 OPS in 2022 is another step in the right direction as he adjusted to Augusta and Rome.
#14 OF Luis Guanipa (ROK)
To be honest, this is a mistake on my part and a bit of a last minute correction. I didn’t realize Bryce Elder was as close as he was to graduating, so I had to remove him from these rankings after they already started rolling out. Luis Guanipa isn’t technically in Atlanta’s system yet, but he’s expected to sign with the Braves in January — and he’s a high end talent out of Venezuela. You can read more about him here.
#13 SS Cal Conley (AA)
Conley has been one of the more pleasant surprises of the 2021 MLB Draft. After being seen as a high floor guy, he exploded in 2022, putting up a .738 OPS and 43 extra base hits, including 16 home runs and 7 triples. Along with stealing 36 bases, Conley looks like he could be an above average utility player — especially as a switch hitter.
#12 SS Ambioris Tavarez (ROK)
Tavarez is the first big international signing the Braves made since being sanctioned by Major League Baseball. He has a ton of power and speed, and he’s still growing at only 18 years old. He had a solid debut in the FCL, putting up a .689 OPS in 65 at bats. If he has a hot start to 2023, he will shoot up Atlanta’s prospect rankings.
#11 RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (ROK)
We haven’t gotten a look at Schwellenbach yet, but there’s a reason the Braves liked him so much in the 2021 draft, even before his Tommy John Surgery. The shortstop and closer out of Nebraska is one of the best athletes in the system, but the Braves want to use him as a starter. His fastball touches 100 with ease — so there’s a ton of projectability here.
—
Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.