Dansby Swanson
ETA: July 1
Every time Swanson is promoted, he rakes. In AA he has already put together a lengthy hitting streak and is hitting for an .890 OPS with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers and 14 RBI in just 22 games. The Braves are getting zero production out of the shortstop position at the MLB level, and Swanson is an advanced college hitter. There’s a chance they could promote him straight from AA. It would be surprising not to at least see him get the call in September.
Sean Newcomb
ETA: Early to mid-2017
There is no questioning Newcomb has elite makeup, but he will have to improve his control to get promoted to AAA, and eventually the bigs. His 5.7 BB/9 rate this season is worrisome. Despite being a prospect, Newcomb is a project for the Braves. He will likely get a shot to crack the rotation in Spring Training next year, but he will have a ton of competition.
Ozzie Albies
ETA:Â September Call-Up
Albies has flown through this system faster than anyone thought possible. He is finally getting adjusted to playing at the AAA level despite being just 19 years old. For this reason, Swanson could get the call before Albies despite being a level below him. If that is the case, it may require Albies more time in the minors to adjust to playing second base. If he sets the world on fire, he could be up in a couple months alongside Swanson. Otherwise, he will likely get his feet wet in the majors in September and open as a starter next season.
Lucas Sims
ETA: September Call-Up
Sims has struggled since being promoted to AAA. By mid-season there will be a surplus of arms competing for just five spots. Sims’ promotion is dependent on whether he adjusts to AAA. Basically, he will have to earn a September call-up. If he struggles, he may have to wait until next season or possibly even repeat AAA. My money is on him turning it around and getting to start a couple games late in the season.
Chris Ellis
ETA: Opening Day 2017
Ellis has been great since joining the Braves’ farm system and is in line to earn a promotion soon. If not for the surplus of arms, he would likely get a shot at starting some games late in the season. If some are dealt at the deadline, this notion becomes more realistic. Ellis earns a rotation spot early in 2017 if not by Opening Day.
Tyrell Jenkins
ETA: May/June 2016
Jenkins will get his crack at the MLB very soon. It may merely be a spot start, but if the Braves want Aaron Blair to receive some more seasoning down at AAA for the time being, this makes Jenkins the next man in line to start. Casey Kelly replaced Blair Sunday afternoon, but this may have been because Jenkins was on just three days’ rest. There is a chance we could see Jenkins pitch next Saturday, and if not, it will most definitely be soon.
Rio Ruiz
ETA: September call-up
After a red-hot start, Ruiz has really cooled down. If he can heat back up, third base could be all his as soon as this season. My prediction is he gets his feet wet late in the season, and he gets a shot at the starting job in Spring Training. Every Braves fans would love to see him do well enough to earn that role as soon as possible.
Dustin Peterson
ETA: Opening Day 2017
Dustin Peterson is quietly enjoying the best season of his professional career with AA Mississippi. Through 43 games this season he is hitting .261 with 11 doubles, 5 homers and 25 RBI. He is one of the more powerful prospects in the team’s farm system and it appears he will get to at least see Gwinnett this season. Adonis Garcia and Nick Markakis could very well not be in the picture next season. Hector Olivera is a huge question mark. Circumstances could lead to Peterson being the Opening Day left fielder for the Braves next season. While it may not be likely, it’s certainly a possibility.