3 Top Prospects Braves Fans Can Expect to See in the MLB This Year
By Seth Carlson
The Atlanta Braves had the 3rd-ranked farm system in MLB heading into the 2019 season, according to MLB.com. This is easy to see, as they also had eight of the top 100 prospects ranked by MLB.com heading into the 2019 season. With young talents like Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried and Dansby Swanson already promoted and slugging third baseman Austin Riley poised to make his debut in the Show, here's a look at three other prospects who we can expect to see later this season.
1. LHP Thomas Burrows
The Braves' No. 17 prospect according to MLB.com has been biding his time in Triple-A, and at 24 years old, Alabama Crimson Tide prospect Thomas Burrows is readying for his shot. He projects as a setup man, and will be expected to lean on his fastball and a swing-and-miss slider to endear himself to the fans at SunTrust Park.
2. RHP Patrick Weigel
Ranked as Atlanta's 18th-best prospect, Patrick Weigel has a 1.72 ERA in seven starts so far at Double-A Mississippi. He had Tommy John surgery after he was drafted in 2015, but has really found his stride so far in 2019. If he continues to pitch well, look for him to potentially join the Braves' big league bullpen later this season with his balance of great stuff and promising command. There is no such thing as having too much pitching depth, and it looks as if the sturdy 6-foot-6 Weigel can play that role.
3. LHP Kolby Allard
Kolby Allard made his MLB debut in 2018, but was sent down after just three games played and a 12.38 ERA. As the No. 10 prospect in the system, expect the young lefty to be back up in the rotation to get another look given the inevitability of injuries and struggling pitchers. Allard currently has a 4.00 ERA in 36 innings pitched in 2019 in Triple-A, and is known for his breaking and off-speed pitches.