ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves are the reigning National League East champs and a decent bet to reach the World Series this year–especially with one big addition to the starting rotation.
But here's the kicker: The Braves' major-league roster could have an entirely different look in two or three years, given the club's deep reservoir of talent in the minor leagues.
As Exhibit A, MLB.com released its Top 100 Prospects for 2019 listing over the weekend, and the Braves graded out extremely well in three areas:
a) Eight players in the overall Top 100–second only to the Padres' 10 prospects
b) Six players listed in the Top 50 (Mike Soroka, Kyle Wright, Ian Anderson, Christian Pache, Austin Riley, Touki Toussaint)–second only to San Diego's seven Top 50 prospects.
c) The Braves are the only MLB franchise to have three pitchers (Soroka, Wright, Anderson) ranked in the overall top 40.
Here's an educated guess:
1. Mike Soroka (ace)
2. Mike Foltynewicz (final year of arbitration in 2021)
3. Kyle Wright (might have the highest ceiling of the group)
4. Touki Toussaint
5. Sean Newcomb