The series rolls on as we approach the top 15. 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
#20 LHP Dylan Dodd (AAA)
Dodd had a rocky start to his limited pro career in 2021, but he bounced back in 2022 and has shown what makes him so interesting as a prospect. The big lefty has an athletic delivery and a nasty changeup, and so far, he has passed AA Mississippi with flying colors (3.11 ERA). He even earned himself a short stint in Gwinnett. Dodd is a name to watch going into 2023; he could climb up these rankings quickly.
#19 RHP Victor Vodnik (AAA)
The hard-throwing Vodnik seems like he could be a part of Atlanta’s bullpen as early as 2023. He has a nice secondary offering with his slider, but he’s probably limited to a relief arm. He’s going to have to work on cutting down on his walks, but there’s some upside here as a late-inning leverage arm.
#18 RHP Darius Vines (AAA)
Vines is a good athlete with a repeatable delivery, his stuff isn’t anything spectacular, but he has a nice pitch mix — especially for a guy who profiles as a relief arm. His slider and changeup have come a long way, and locating them well has been key. Without an overpowering fastball, Vines continuing to develop his other offerings will be key to him making it to Atlanta.
#17 SS Diego Benitez (ROK)
Benitez was the prize of Atlanta’s last international signing class — the 17-year-old is built like a brick house. He has pretty good bat speed, but like most prospects his age, he’s very raw. He profiles as a true five-tool threat, but he’ll have to improve on his .646 OPS before I slot him any higher in these rankings.
#16 OF Jesse Franklin (AA)
I was a really big fan of Franklin coming out of Michigan, but he has posted mixed results for the Braves. After clubbing 24 home runs and 24 doubles while stealing 19 bases in 2021, Franklin was off to a slow start before being ruled out for the season with an injury. Hopefully, he can bounce back in 2023, there’s still a lot of loud tools here.
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