3 Biggest Surprises From Braves 60-Man Player Pool Reveal

The first significant deadline of the upcoming MLB season came and went on Sunday, as clubs were required to submit their respective 60-man player pools. With a roster as sizable as this, there was bound to be a few surprise inclusions, and the Atlanta Braves were no exception.

The two-time defending NL East champ's announced 56 players, including 17 non-roster submissions, which indicates they may plan to be active in the post-transaction freeze market. However, let's keep this particular conversation focused on the biggest surprises from the Braves' roster reveal.

3. Logan Brown

Only one 2020 draftee, first-rounder Jared Shuster, makes it into the player pool. The biggest surprise for me is C Logan Brown, he was a 35th-round pick in 2018 and split time between Rome and Florida last season. He is ranked as the Braves’ #30 prospect on MLB Pipeline. https://t.co/GCRFz3QNN7
— Matt Chrietzberg (@BravesMattC) June 28, 2020

The Braves invited seven catchers, so it's clear that they want plenty of depth at the position. However, we can't wrap our minds around how Logan Brown got the nod over Carlos Martinez. Not only was the former not invited to camp for Spring Training, but the latter was. If that doesn't make Brown's inclusion a surprise, then nothing does. The 23-year-old hit .272/.313/334 with 46 RBI in Rome and Florida last season.

2. Bryce Ball Wasn't Invited

SOUND ON: @Braves prospect Bryce Ball’s last swing of the day just put a dent in something. ? pic.twitter.com/80CrGEcJgV
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) February 17, 2020

The Braves do have their fair share of infielders, but it's still shocking that Bryce Ball wasn't a part of the reveal. The 21-year-old slugger was the highest-ranked prospect, No. 20 according to MLB.com, not invited by Atlanta. Last season, Ball hit .329/.395/.628 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI in 62 games between rookie ball and Single-A. The club has the flexibility to offer him a roster spot down the road, but we were really expecting the young first baseman to feature on the initial reveal.

1. Jared Shuster

Here’s @Braves top pick Jared Shuster dominating No. 3 Louisville earlier this year ? pic.twitter.com/8I9V7NEnBq
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) June 11, 2020

It's duly noted that the Braves have high expectations for 2020 first-round selection Jared Shuster, however, we never would've guessed that he was going to make it into the 60-man player pool. Atlanta isn't loaded with left-handed pitching, but you still can't help but feel that the 21-year-old is nowhere near MLB ready. It'd be truly wild if the Wake Forest product is called into action at any point this season considering his lack of professional experience. He was the only 2020 draft pick to make the cut.