MLB Pipeline released a video of the top 20 switch-hitting prospects in baseball, and coming in at #5 is the Braves’ very own Drew Waters, finishing behind some pretty elite talents in their own right.
Here are #MLB's 20 best switch-hitting prospects: https://t.co/iRD5GYqZXS pic.twitter.com/HOSgPMzLlG
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 1, 2020
19-year-old Wander Franco comes in at #1, which is no surprise considering he is the top-ranked prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. #2 is Adley Rutschman, last year’s #1 pick and one of the best hitting prospects we’ve ever seen. It’s only a matter of time before he’s the top-ranked prospect in baseball himself (he’s currently ranked #4). Following Rutschman is a bit of surprise, but few have more hype surrounding them Jasson Dominguez, who is already MLB Pipeline’s 54th ranked prospect at just 17-years-old. Dylan Carlson is ranked as the 4th best switch-hitting prospect, 17th overall, with Drew Waters rounding out the top five.
Waters is currently the second-ranked prospect in the Braves system — according to most rankings — after taking over the AA level, smacking 49 extra-base hits in just 108 games on his way to the Southern League MVP award at only 20-years-old. His performance earned him a promotion to AAA for the last month of the season, where he posted a .271 average.
Even if COVID-19 hadn’t stopped the season, Waters would have had a tough time making his major league debut in 2020. He barely had any experience in AAA, and the Braves have a loaded outfield, including their top prospect Cristian Pache. Now, it is nearly impossible for that to happen unless there are several injuries or positive coronavirus tests. Still, the Braves included him on their 60-man taxi squad, so at the very least, he will be working with upper-level minor leaguers and other former major leaguers. An entire minor league season canceled will hinder everyone’s development, but Waters remains a prospect Braves fans shouldn’t be worried about.
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