3 Braves Prospects Who Should Be Off Limits in Offseason Trade Talks

After failing spectacularly in the NLDS last year against the St. Louis Cardinals, it seems likely that the Atlanta Braves are looking to make a big splash on the trade market this offseason in order to take the next step.

Every trade comes at a cost, though, and the Braves need to go about things with their heads screwed on right. Under no circumstances should these prospects come up in trade talks this offseason unless Atlanta is getting their hands on a top player in the MLB.

3. C Shea Langeliers

New York Mets v Atlanta Braves / Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Langeliers ranks as the fifth-best catching prospect in baseball, and for good reason. He's more or less an average hitter, but he's got an absolute cannon of an arm behind the plate. He could be a real difference maker for the Braves a few years from now, especially if they can't shore up their catching depth, which seems to be the case considering Tyler Flowers and Travis d'Arnaud will be splitting duties in 2020.

2. RHP Ian Anderson

Atlanta Braves v Milwaukee Brewers / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Ian Anderson has ripped through the Braves farm system and reached Triple-A last season. He may (somehow) have a losing record across five levels, but the 21-year-old owns a 2.91 ERA in 80 starts and has struck out 451 batters in 377.2 innings of work. Considering that success, coupled with the fact they already traded top arm Kolby Allard in a deal with the Rangers last year, Atlanta cannot afford to part ways with their No. 3 overall and top pitching prospect unless it's a monumental deal.

1. OF Cristian Pache

Cristian Pache in spring training / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Cristian Pache, the No. 11 overall prospect in baseball, has the chance to become one of the best outfielders in the league. The 21-year-old has an above-average bat, hitting to the tune of an .802 OPS in the minors last year, and has been graded as an elite runner and fielder. A player with his tools rarely comes around, so the Braves need to hold onto him at all costs so they can pair him with superstar center fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in the near future.