Andrew Vaughn’s scouting report and fantasy impact for 2021 for the Chicago White Sox
A's Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Oakland A’s are the next AL West team on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out over two-thirds of the league.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets — Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox — Twins — Cleveland
NL Central: Cardinals — Reds — Pirates — Cubs — Brewers
AL West: Mariners — Rangers — Angels
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
OF — Luis Barrera (4)
When Robbie Grossman signed a two-year contract with the Tigers, it left the opportunity for Barrera to make the roster in 2021 after a strong showing in alternate camp in 2020. He has plus speed and an arm that grades between 60 and 70. Injuries have derailed his progress but if he can hit for average, and continue to get on base at a high rate — as he did in Double-A in 2019 in which he posted a wRC+ of 139 — Barrera could make a sizable impact as early as this year. Plus, his ability to play any spot in the outfield increases his versatility.
OF — Greg Deichmann (1)
The 2017 second-round draft pick out of LSU had a strong AFL showing two seasons ago. Like Barrera, injuries have derailed his progress. The left-hander has power potential with a good arm that could play in the corners. The strikeout numbers are alarming but Oakland could call him up at some point to see what he is capable of.
RHP-Grant Holmes (2)
Holmes has four different types of pitch offerings which include a fastball, curve, changeup, and a slider that looks like more of a cutter according to reports. His biggest setbacks have been his control and command. His health concerns, and how Oakland used him in 2019, suggest he could be a middle reliever. Holmes has tremendous upside and some of the best stuff in the system when he is healthy — in addition to having some lengthy locks underneath his cap.
Notable
Brian Howard, Buddy Reed and Parker Dunshee are other names that could get consideration to make their debuts this season. Dunshee and Howard profile as backend starters.
Angels Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Los Angeles Angels are the next AL West team on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out over two-thirds of the league.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets — Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox — Twins — Cleveland
NL Central: Cardinals — Reds — Pirates — Cubs — Brewers
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
OF — Brandon Marsh (2)
As noted by our own Ralph Lifshitz, a mid-2019 change in set-up has allowed Marsh to shorten his load and it has paid off. The shift has allowed Marsh to tap into his power without taking away from his great approach and feel for contact. Like recent Angel’s prospect graduate, Jo Adell, Marsh has shown always the tools and talent worth raving about and now that it is starting to click in games, he should be ready to join the big league team soon. Recent acquisition of veteran outfielder Dexter Fowler may delay things for a little while but it shouldn’t be long before both Marsh and Adell are enjoying roaming the outfield grass alongside Mr. Trout.
RHP — Chris Rodriguez (3)
After missing significant time in recent years due to injury, Rodriguez has found his way onto the Angel’s 40 man roster. There are some bullpen concerns due to the health issues but with all of the makings of a mid rotation arm, he could be a pitcher that the Angels intend to lean on this season if he proves capable this Spring. In fact, it is not far fetched to see him finding a spot sooner rather than later due to an Angel’s rotation filled of many names with notable injury history and/or lack of recent success.
LHP — Reid Detmers (1)
One of my most vivid memories from my time working as an analyst with the baseball team at Georgia Tech was watching a pitching duel between Xzavion Curry and Reid Detmers where Detmers racked up 16 K’s against us.
Now fresh out of the 2020 Draft, Detmers is the type of arm that should move rapidly through a system seemingly always in need of pitching help. Detmers works hitters primarily with a FB/CB mix each of which he has an incredible feel for. While the most likely outcome is a 2022 debut so that he can work on further developing a third offering, he is a big bodied lefty with two pitches capable of getting hitters out, so don’t be surprised if he gets a call just one year after being drafted.
NOTABLE
Currently on the 40-man roster, Jose Alberto Rivera and Hector Yan are two arms that could see some time in the Angels bullpen at some point this year. Yan in particular has the makings of an arm who could find himself pitching in some high leverage situations. One other name to follow is infielder, Jeremiah Jackson. The ability Jackson has to give multi positional value could allow him to get a chance at the big league level to fill out some depth in Anaheim.
Rangers Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Texas Rangers are the next AL West team on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled over two-thirds of the league.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets — Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox — Twins — Cleveland
NL Central: Cardinals — Reds — Pirates — Cubs — Brewers
AL West: Mariners
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Texas Rangers
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
RHP — Hans Crouse (1)
Crouse was the type of arm that drew plenty of, both, excitement and curiosity coming out of the 2017 MLB Draft, given his fastball/breaking ball combo. Unfortunately, the lack of a clean injury history and a quirky delivery combine to leave a fair amount risk. Overall, Crouse has already shown that he’s capable of dominating right-handed batters, and his stuff would certainly play up in the bullpen should the Rangers decide to give him a look late in the season.
RHP — Yerry Rodriguez (2)
Analytically, Rodriguez looks like a top pitching prospect with elite spin rate and good velocity to go along with a great ability to pound the zone. However, the stuff has not dominated the way that one would expect, and a slew of injuries has resulted in a stall in development. The Rangers have included him on their 40-man roster heading into this season so they are clearly of the belief that he is close to making contributions in Texas. That said, I would expect him to spend a little bit more time marinating in the minors before being promoted later in the season.
RHP — Tyler Phillips (3)
Phillips is the type of pitcher that lacks an ability to overpower or dominate hitters, but has the makings of a back end rotation piece due to plus command of his four pitch arsenal coupled with a strong GB clip. The Rangers have rolled the dice with a few of their rotation acquisitions this off season so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them turn to a high floor type of arm like Phillips at some point if they are searching for someone to eat some innings.
NOTABLE
The second pick in the Rule 5 this year, Brett de Geus, looks poised to be in competition for a bullpen spot after coming over from the Dodgers. could see innings at some point this year. Another intriguing name to follow is Japanese right-hander Kohei Arihara. Already 28, Arihara doesn’t fit the typical bill for a prospect on these lists, but he should get an immediate spot in the rotation and it will be interesting following in his first action stateside.
Photo Credit: James Snook
Mariners Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Seattle Mariners the first AL West team on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out two-thirds of the league.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets — Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox — Twins — Cleveland
NL Central: Cardinals — Reds — Pirates — Cubs — Brewers
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Seattle Mariners
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
OF — Taylor Trammell (2)
It’s not often you see Top 100 prospects being traded multiple times prior to even making their big-league debut. However, that’s exactly where we are with Trammell. Fans of the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres might be keeping tabs on him, while Mariners fans will be ripe with anticipation as the 23-year-old outfielder makes his MLB debut for Seattle.
The outfield scene in Seattle has become one of, if not the most exciting developments over the last 12 months. With Kyle Lewis entrenched for years to come, the Mariners are simply bidding time with veteran outfielders until the youth are ready to take over. Trammell will get his call in 2021 and if the club gets off to a nice start, they may decide to turn the outfield duties over to the youngsters.
RHP — Logan Gilbert (2)
Drafted ahead of arms like Brady Singer and Daniel Lynch, the latter of which is set to make his debut as well, there’s plenty of reason for you to be excited about Gilbert. The 6-foot-6 righty boasts a quality four-pitch mix (Fastball, Curveball, Slider, Changeup) that will play up due to his overall baseball acumen. Chris Flexen, recently acquired from the KBO on a two-year pact, is expected to see time in the Mariners rotation this season. Given that he has posted a 3-11 record with an 8.07 ERA over three seasons of big-league work prior to joining the KBO, there’s no reason to think that he’ll stand in the way of Gilbert, once he’s ready.
OF — Jarred Kelenic (2)
This is the name that you’ve been waiting for. Many of you laugh at the trade that the Chicago White Sox made with the San Diego Padres, sending Fernando Tatis Jr to Southern California. What if I told you that the New York Mets sending Kelenic and Justin Dunn to the Great Northwest might be just as laughable, would you believe me?
Unafraid to show off his development on social media, you’ve likely seen several of his talent exploits at this point. Perhaps nothing is more impressive than smashing a frisbee in mid flight by driving a liner into the centerfield — see for yourself.
Showing an equal balance of a plus-hit tool and plus-power, it’s no wonder that he’s being deemed by some to be the best prospect in all of baseball. The good news is that you’ll likely get to see both him and Wander Franco in 2021. Apologies to the White Sox, Braves, Nationals, Angels, and Dodgers, but it’s hard to image a more hyped outfield group than Kelenic, Lewis, Trammell, and Julio Rodriguez in Seattle. Not likely to be an issue in 2021 — it’ll be fascinating to see how the club manages those four guys moving forward?
Notable
Currently on the 40-man roster, bullpen options Sam Delaplane and Wyatt Mills could see innings at some point this year. Both of these guys were 2017 selections, Mills out of nearby Gonzaga University. There’s an off-chance that the club’s No. 6 prospect, George Kirby, gets a call at some point, although far less likely than any of the arms listed above.
Brewers Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
Cubs Prospects Likely to Debut In 2021
Pirates Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
Cardinals Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The St. Louis Cardinals are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East along with the AL Central.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox—Twins—Cleveland
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
3B — Nolan Gorman (1)
The 3B spot for Gorman to potentially claim at some point this season quickly closed up after the Cardinal’s big acquisition of a different Nolan just a few weeks ago. The arrival of Nolan Arenado will obviously impact the trajectory of Gorman’s next few seasons, but the left handed swing has shown that the slugger is going to be a force in the major leagues at some point. Expect Gorman to take the better part of this year to continue to iron out some of the swing and miss tendencies, but don’t be too surprised if he gets a cup of coffee in September.
LHP — Zack Thompson (1)
One of the bigger names coming into the ‘19 Draft out of Kentucky was Zack Thompson. He wrestled with some injuries that ultimately led to his stock falling a bit and primarily being used in the pen during his first taste of professional ball. However, with that in the rear-view, the Cards should be looking to push him fairly quickly as is common with established college arms.
C — Ivan Herrera (3)
Looking at the depth chart right now, it would appear likely that Herrera plays almost the entire season at the MLB level, but there’s a pretty significant name still on the market by the name of Yadier Molina. It seems as a return to the Red Birds is almost inevitable for the longtime Cardinal’s backstop so Herrera will likely end up sliding down a spot on depth chart. Nonetheless, Andrew Knizner nor recently acquired Tyler Heineman are overly successful backstops so a spot for Herrera could potentially open up rather quickly.
NOTABLE
A couple of names to consider that could see some at bats are Luken Baker and Juan Yepez. Both stem from the same tree: Corner-only RHH power bats. Otherwise, Angel Rondon, Connor Jones, and Griffin Roberts are a few arms who could see a handful of innings in the Cards’ pen at some point.
Cleveland Baseball Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Cleveland Baseball Team is next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox—Twins
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
CLEVELAND BASEBALL TEAM
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
INF-Nolan Jones (2)
Cleveland’s outfield woes are well documented and the athletic Jones could see some time out there in 2021. He spent time playing the outfield in Cleveland’s alternate site last summer and could see himself in either corner spot. The number one prospect in their system carries a strong power tool and a grade 70 arm that could place him at either corner position.
LHP-Sam Hentges (3)
Hentges spent time on the team’s alternate site in 2020 and opened some eyes hitting 100 in intrasquad action. The lefty’s 2019 numbers do not exactly stand out but with the trade of Carlos Carrasco, the 6-6 245 starter may have an opportunity to make the team out of spring training.
As Justin Lada wrote up in his report, he spots his fastball well but lacks command of his other pitches. If Hentges can command his secondary pitches better, Cleveland may end up using him out of the bullpen instead, which would be another weapon to add to an already formidable bullpen.
LHP-Scott Moss (3)
Moss is another arm who could compete for the final spot in the rotation. He posted near a 30% K rate in his stops in Double-A and Triple-A in 2019. Another tall lefty standing at 6-6, Moss got time in the team’s alternate site and features a fastball, slider, and changeup. He is 26 years old so this could be the right time for Moss to see time.
NOTABLE
Other names to consider that could see some time are SS/2B Ernie Clement and Owen Miller.
White Sox Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Chicago White Sox are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
1B/DH — Andrew Vaughn (4)
One of the safest bats of the 2019 Draft, Vaughn is one of the better offensive collegiate prospects in recent years. With Edwin Encarnacion officially leaving town via free agency the opportunity to split time with Jose Abreu at first base and designated hitter should be there this season. As polished as Vaughn is, this transition could happen fairly early into the 2021 season. Don’t look now but the White Sox lineup is about to add some more thunder just one year after adding the lightning, Luis Robert.
Check out the White Sox Top Prospects Board
RF/DH — Micker Adolfo (4)
Much like the aforementioned Vaughn, Adolfo is mostly known for his bat. Signed back in 2013, out of the Dominican Republic, he has endured quite a path to make his way onto the 40-man roster. After several injuries, he’s become more of a DH only type of body that possesses big raw power. At bats would be hard to come by with Abreu and Eloy Jimenez in the mix at DH, but if Vaughn comes up early, Adolfo could be stuck in a bench role for the time being albeit still on the roster.
Here’s a bit more about Adolfo — you may not like his choice for Favorite Baseball Movie…
RHP — Tyler Johnson (2)
Johnson is a pitcher who has flashed two solid pitches throughout his professional career but has a quirky delivery and lack of consistency that significantly limit his overall upside. However, the fastball has shown an ability to be productive and having already secured a roster spot, Johnson is the type of low risk arm that could see time in the pen at some point this season if needed.
NOTABLE
The White Sox have collected a quite a handful of players that offer some offensive value but do not necessarily have a place on the defensive side of things. This makes things tight for guys like Gavin Sheets and Blake Rutherford as they have shown glimpses of promise but present tough defensive profiles. Sheets really only fits at the cold corner, but the raw power hasn’t translated enough to make the bat good enough to fit there.
Meanwhile, Rutherford is a former top prospect who has slowly lost his shine over the years due to a similar struggle to find his power stroke. Both have earned a spot on the 40 man and are certainly names worth monitoring as they continue to develop. For now, the likes of Vaughn and Adolfo seem to be blocking the pathway to at bats at the Major League level.
Tigers Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Detroit Tigers are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, here’s a look at all the teams that we have covered so far.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Detroit Tigers
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
INF-Zack Short (3)
The Tigers have a strong idea of what they were getting in Short. Acquired for Cameron Maybin in 2020, he rates as an above-average fielder plays multiple positions, can draw walks, and has some pop, hitting 17 home runs in Double-A in 2018. General Manager Al Avila has said he is an “MLB-Ready” defender.
“We like him a lot in the sense that from a makeup perspective, he’s one of those guys that managers love to manage because he’s a high energy — sort of a baseball rat who plays hard,” Avila said. “He’s a very good shortstop, from our reports, and from our data. He’s really major league ready right now from a defensive perspective.
If Short hits the ground running at Toledo, he would be one of the first call-ups for the Tigers if there is an injury to a starter.
RHP-Matt Manning (2)
“I’m ready to go”. Those four words Manning muttered during a recent session with the media last week. His numbers in Erie in 2019 stood out, striking out batters at a 28.1% clip and posting a FIP of 2.53.
The good news for Tigers fans is, after a forearm issue back in August, he had no restrictions in his offseason throwing program. What is even better news is he spent time this off-season tinkering on his off-speed pitches and mechanics, creating a new arm slot.
It is a matter of time before Manning throws his changeup with more confidence and once he gets that down in Toledo, where he slated to start the season, he will be a quick drive up I-75 north.
OF-Akil Baddoo (5)
The Tigers are betting on the upside on the left-handed hitting centerfielder. He was a Rule 5 pick in December 2020 so he must stay on the roster the entire season so this has the potential to be similar to when Detroit drafted outfielder Victor Reyes in 2017.
Baddoo is known for his athleticism, ability to draw walks, above-average speed, and has power potential. He only played 29 games in High-A in 2019 before he hurt his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. His arm is considered below-average.
As our own Trevor Hooth wrote up:
“Baddoo will be most successful by utilizing his good eye to capitalize on mistake pitches. His lack of feel to find the barrel of the bat is one of the bigger weaknesses. What he has a tendency to do is just throw his hands at the pitch once he decides it will be a strike. That results in whiffs, as evidenced by his 24 percent strikeout rate in 2018, which was pacing higher before the injury in 2019. The other outcome of this is bad and sometimes hesitant swings that result in poor contact.”
Daz Cameron and Derek Hill are the two other outfielders pushing for time in the outfield so Baddoo will have his work cut out for him in spring training.
Notable
Joey Wentz, a left-handed starting pitcher who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, is a name who could get a September call-up. After coming over in a trade from Atlanta, his debut in Erie turned some heads, posting a 37.8% K rate in 25.2 innings of work. Riley Greene, who was hitting with power both in spring and summer camp, continues to rise through the system. He could also get a look in September.
Braves Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Atlanta Braves are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we rolled out the AL East all of last week.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
ATLANTA BRAVES
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
OF — Drew Waters (3)
The last piece of what the Braves hope to be a strong outfield trio for years to come should be ready to join Ronald Acuna Jr and Cristian Pache soon in Atlanta. Waters presents many raw tools that you dream of when looking at developing minor league players. A start in AAA is likely due some concerns about plate approach but the elite bat speed and athleticism should allow Waters to be up by mid season especially with Adam Duvall being non tendered by the organization this winter.
SS — Braden Shewmake (1)
The second of two first rounders in the 2019 draft, Shewmake, has quickly moved through a system lacking a lot position player depth. Unike Waters, Shewmake is not the uber-tooled type of prospect, but he has something Waters doesn’t: an incredible approach at the plate. If he shows development in the power department, he might be able to push for a cup of coffee late this year.
LHP — Kyle Muller (2)
The 6’7” southpaw was added to the Braves 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft in December. While the Braves still hope the other pitches develop enough to fit in the rotation, Muller’s plus heater is big-league ready and could potentially earn him a chance in the pen at the highest level if the Braves need help.
NOTABLE
With Travis d’Arnaud still around for another year, the Braves don’t necessarily have a rush to move their top catching prospect, Shea Langeliers, up to the Majors yet but his development is something to watch this year. The defense has always played and now fully recovered from his hand injury in 2019, it will be interesting to see how much of the raw power can translate into the game.
Two names to follow are pitchers, Jasseel De La Cruz and Philip Pfeifer who have been included on the Braves 40-man roster. Both could continue to see a starter’s workload in the minor leagues in order to add experience on the mound, but likely would see a bump in effectiveness out of the pen if they were to get a promotion to the highest level.