Three Atlanta Braves Prospects Rank in Baseball America’s Top 100
The Atlanta Braves farm system is not as deep as it once was, but there is still some high-level talent in the system. Three of the prospects ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100 ranking.
Baseball America released its annual Top 100 prospect rankings. Atlanta Braves prospects Michael Harris, Shea Langeliers, and Cristian Pache all find themselves in this year’s edition.
Michael Harris- 46th
Michael Harris takes over as the Braves top prospect, according to Baseball America.
Harris flew up everyone’s rankings in 2021 thanks to his breakout performance. In 101 games with the Rome Braves, Harris hit .294/.362/.436 7 HR, 55 R, 64 RBI, 27 SB, .349 wOBA, and 114 wRC+.
He flashed a lot of the potential that had scouts raving about him early on. He should continue to fill out as he ages, which should lead to more power. A few of his 26 doubles could turn into home runs in the coming years.
Harris is patient at the plate for a young hitter and projects to be a solid defensive outfielder. For more on Harris, check out Jake Mastroianni’s scouting report.
If Harris puts together another strong season, expect to see him ranked even higher next year.
Shea Langeliers- 54th
Shea Langeliers has established himself as the Braves catcher of the future. Baseball America agrees with the talent with their current ranking of the young backstop.
Langeliers really broke out offensively in 2021, hitting .256/.339/.494 22 HR, 59 R, 53 RBI, and 1 SB across two levels. He spent most of his time in Mississippi hitting .258/.338/.498 with 22 HR, 56 R, 52 RBI, 1 SB, .363 wOBA, and a 128 wRC+.
A step in the right direction for Langeliers. The young backstop has always been considered elite defensively, with some thinking he could handle a major league staff today. If he becomes a reliable hitter as well, the sky is the limit for Langeliers.
Expect Langeliers to spend most, if not all, of 2022 in Gwinnett.
Cristian Pache- 84th
Unlike the other two mentioned, Cristian Pache is trending in the wrong direction.
The former top prospect has struggled early in his major league career, hitting .119/.157/.209 1 HR, 6 R, 4 RBI, .162 wOBA, & -6 wRC+. Not a great start.
Pache’s calling card was always his defense, with most believing he could win several Gold Gloves if given the opportunity. The biggest question is when would his bat catch up?
He has looked overmatched at the plate, and that has caused his prospect ranking to drop. Sometimes the best value a prospect has is the intrigue of how good they could be at the major league level.
It is still too early to give up on Pache, he has less than 100 career plate appearances as a big leaguer. However, 2022 will be a big season in determining what kind of career he could have at the big-league level. Check out this article highlighting more about how big 2022 is for Pache.
Braves Have Found Their Ace. dark. Next
The Braves farm may not be as deep as year’s past, but these three certainly give reason to be excited about the future.