SportsTalkATL Top 40 Prospects (June)

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  1. Kevin Maitan (Prev. Rank: 2)
  2. Kolby Allard  (Prev. Rank: 5)
  3. Ronald Acuna (Prev. Rank: 14)
  4. Ozzie Albies
  5. Sean Newcomb (Prev. Rank: 3)
  6. Mike Soroka (Prev. Rank: 7)
  7. Ian Anderson (Prev. Rank: 6)
  8. Luiz Gohara (Prev. Rank: 15)
  9. Kyle Muller (Prev. Rank: 8)
  10. Joey Wentz (Prev. Rank: 9)
  11. Alex Jackson (Prev. Rank: 12)
  12. Austin Riley (Prev. Rank: 13)
  13. Travis Demeritte (Prev. Rank: 10)
  14. Max Fried (Prev. Rank: 11)
  15. Bryse Wilson (Prev. Rank: 20)
  16. Lucas Sims (Prev. Rank: 18)
  17. Patrick Weigel (Prev. Rank: 16)
  18. Touki Toussaint (Prev. Rank: 17
  19. Dustin Peterson
  20. Rio Ruiz (Prev. Rank: 21)
  21. Cristian Pache (Prev. Rank: 22)
  22. AJ Minter (Prev. Rank: 24)
  23. Anfernee Seymour (Prev. Rank: 28)
  24. Brett Cumberland (Prev. Rank: 33)
  25. Kade Scivicque (Prev. Rank: 31)
  26. Drew Harrington (Prev. Rank: 34)
  27. Ricardo Sanchez  (Prev. Rank: 36)
  28. Caleb Dirks (Prev. Rank: 25)
  29. Akeel Morris (Prev. Rank: 30)
  30. Tyler Pike (Prev. Rank: 49)
  31. Michael Mader (Prev. Rank: 23)
  32. Randy Ventura (Prev. Rank: 39)
  33. Derian Cruz (Prev. Rank: 26)
  34. Luke Jackson (Prev. Rank: 32)
  35. Braxton Davidson (Prev. Rank: 27)
  36. Abrahan Gutierrez (Prev. Rank: 35)
  37. Yunior Severino
  38. Daniel Winkler
  39. Thomas Burrows (Prev. Rank: 39)
  40. Jason Hursh (Prev. Rank: 41)

Risers

The Braves have an embarrassment of riches as far as pitching prospects go, and Kolby Allard has separated himself from the pack. He has continued to dominate despite skipping high-A ball. Ronald Acuna is by far the biggest riser on this list. Most knew Acuna had raw talent, but a thumb injury last season limited his sample size. He has more than lived up to the hype. Since being promoted to AA Mississippi at just 19-years old, Acuna has hit .402 with 4 homers, 18 RBI, and 12 SB in 22 games. He has the highest potential of anyone in the system not named Kevin Maitan. He is a true 5-tool player with serious 30-30 potential. Luiz Gohara has proven that last year was no fluke, as he has been absolutely dominant since joining the Braves organization. This reassurance has drastically increased his stock, and he has serious ace potential. It will be interesting how he responds to his recent promotion to AA Mississippi. Bryse Wilson is perhaps the most underrated prospect in the Braves system. He has continued his professional ball dominance with Rome, and overall he has a 1.80 ERA in 20 professional career games. Keep an eye on this kid going forward as he could fly up prospect rankings. Of all the prospects on this list, Lucas Sims is likely the closest to reach the big leagues. He has been terrific for AAA Gwinnett, but has flamed out from hot starts in years past. The Braves should likely give Bartolo another handful of starts, but if the result is the same Sims should get his shot. Anfernee Seymour has proved that he possesses more than merely just his speed tool, as his hot bat already earned him a promotion to A+ ball, where he has succeeded. He is another young talent that Coppy has stockpiled for moving role players at peak value. Though last season Catcher looked like the weakest spot on the team, Tyler Flowers has been incredible for the team, and Alex Jackson and Brett Cumberland have emerged as serious backstop prospects. Cumberland has been red hot the past few weeks after disappointing early in his professional career with the team. He is an advanced college bat who should work through the system quicker than others. Kade Scivicque is also a sleeper catcher prospect for the team who has had a decent season. Lefty prospects do not grow on trees, and although the Braves have “sexier” prospects, Drew Harrington and Ricardo Sanchez are under-the-radar guys with serious potential. Though Anaheim has a weak farm system, it was not long ago that Sanchez was a top prospect for them, and he is still just 20 years-old and now healthy. Tyler Pike has by far been the biggest surprise in the farm system this year since being acquired from Seattle. It is time for the organization to test him at the next level, however, as he is still 23 and playing A+ ball. His 2.20 ERA is hard to ignore regardless. Randy Ventura looks like he has the potential to be a legitimate lead-off hitter in the MLB one day given his speed and hit tools. Former University of Alabama closer Thomas Burrows is also making a real name for himself as a future late-inning option for the Braves. If he can cut down on the walks he can have a great career as a major league reliever.

Fallers

As far as the farm system goes, most things are positive, but we all know the majority of prospects do not work out. Travis Demeritte has had a decent year, but the performances of others has seen a handful of guys jump him on the list. And while some still think that Max Fried could be the Braves’ next great starter, he’s really struggling with his promotion to AA Mississippi. Michael Mader also got knocked down the list, but not for his performance as much as his changed role. He has made the change to a reliever, which clearly hurts his prospect stock. His high walk rate is also very worrisome, but it is a career high so hopefully it is just an outlier. A hyped international prospect, Derian Cruz has not been able to hit a baseball since starting professional ball. He is falling down lists fast. Though still 20-years old, it may be time to really start worrying about Braxton Davidson as well. He is great at picking up walks but has hit for a low average in the minors. If he can put it together, his vision could make him into a legitimate prospect once again. People forget how young this kid is, but he has not had the bounce-back season many had hoped thus far. We also knocked off around 10 names off the list. Dansby Swanson graduated and the others have been removed to make room for the draftees that will be coming within the next few weeks.

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