Atlanta Braves 2018 top 125 prospects: 26-50

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30. Thomas Burrows, LHRP

Level(s): Rome Braves, Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves
Stats: 6-2, 11 saves, 45 G, 67 2/3 IP, 2.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 12.6% BB, 30.1% K
Burrows came to the Atlanta Braves along with Luiz Gohara from Seattle, and he’s been tremendous in the bullpen in the Braves system, showing closer stuff from the left side. He did struggle for a stretch in 2018 in Florida with his command, but he performed tremendously well as closer with Mississippi to finish the year, posting a 1.42 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 8.2% walk rate, and 37% strikeout rate in that role. Burrows is in Arizona and could be getting some work as a multiple-inning sort of reliever, but he certainly has the stuff to be a lefty closer and should factor into the Atlanta bullpen during the 2019 season.

29. Tucker Davidson, LHSP

Level(s): Florida Fire Frogs
Stats: 7-10, 24 GS, 118 1/3 IP, 4.18 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 11.3% BB, 19.3% K
After receiving plenty of notice for the way he pitched once moved into the rotation last season, Davidson spent the entire year in the Florida rotation, but he struggled mightily to open the season. Over his first 7 starts, he posted an 8.04 ERA, 2.07 WHIP, 18.3% walk rate, and 17.6% strikeout rate. He quickly turned things around, starting in early May, and the rest of his season was a 2.99 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 8.9% walk rate, and 19.8% strikeout rate, including finishing strong, with two shutout performances in his last two starts, totaling 13 1/3 innings with a single walk and 13 strikeouts. Davidson’s not a future frontline guy, but with a repeatable delivery and excellent low-zone stuff from the left side, Davidson could work well as a 3/4 starter. He’ll get his first taste of the upper minors in 2019.

28. Braulio Vasquez, IF

Level(s): GCL Braves
Stats: .269/.317/.407, 45 G, 183 PA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 6.6% BB, 21.9% K
Arguably the most raw talent in the system is that of Vasquez, who was signed by the Atlanta Braves out of the Dominican Republic. After struggling to get playing time with the deep middle infield group that was present before the punishment of last offseason, Vasquez repeated the GCL level. He showed up significantly changed in his body, going from a lean, 6′, 155-160 pounds to a much more cut 175-180 pounds, showing off much more raw power from both sides of the plate. Vasquez has likely moved to 3B going forward, but he showed well at second as well, so he can still handle middle infield, but his arm works best at third. He will bump up to Danville in 2019 and could finish with Rome if he can show an adjustment back to contact along with his increased power in his new physique.

27. Jasseel De La Cruz, RHSP

Level(s): Rome Braves
Stats: 3-4, 15 G, 13 GS, 69 IP, 4.83 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 11.3% BB, 21.6% K
De La Cruz was signed out of the Dominican Republic, and he’s been one of the most impressive players to watch on the mound since he came into the Atlanta Braves system. De La Cruz started out his season well before injury changed his season’s direction. He missed a month and a half, and he re-aggravated his injury after coming back, but he was able to pitch through it. Before that re-aggravation, De La Cruz had a 2.41 ERA over 7 starts and 33 2/3 innings with a 1.10 WHIP, 8.8% walk rate, and 24.1% strikeout rate. He’ll hope to find that same success in Florida in 2019.

26. Alex Jackson, C

Level(s): Mississippi Braves, Gwinnett Stripers
Stats: .201/.286/.360, 99 G, 377 PA, 23 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 8.5% BB, 31.8% K
The Atlanta Braves have been working with Jackson to strengthen his catching since he was acquired from Seattle before the 2017 season. He really did not see big strides behind the plate in 2018, and he also took significant steps backward offensively, unable to tap into his raw power at the plate due to a significant issue with swing and miss.

Jackson’s defense will be final determining point for his future with the Braves. Most likely, the Atlanta Braves will be shopping Jackson in deals this offseason, hoping his showing in 2017 and especially in the 2017 Arizona Fall League at the plate can inspire a team to give him a shot and put him into a deal. If he’s still in the org to open 2019, he’ll likely be at Gwinnett.

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So that’s the #26-50 prospects in the annual countdown of the Atlanta Braves top prospects. Anyone too high? Too low? Comment below!

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