This begins a six-part series that I will wrap up before the start of the season, where I will attempt to predict each of the Braves’ top 30 prospects’ stats and trajectory. I will be using our SportsTalkATL Top 30 Prospects List that Jake and I compiled earlier this offseason for the rankings, starting with prospects 30-26 and working my way down over the next couple of weeks.
Not only will I be attempting to project each player’s statistics, but I’ll also try and predict where they will begin the year and any promotions. It won’t be easy, considering it’s been nearly two years since we’ve seen these guys play a meaningful game, but it should be fun. Let’s get into it.
30. Philip Pfeifer (LHP)
Level: AAA-MLB
2021 stat predictions: 113.2 innings, 3.68 ERA, 131 Ks
The 28-year-old Pfeifer has had an interesting start to his career since being drafted in the third round of the 2015 MLB draft by the Dodgers. Honestly, I was pretty surprised we never saw him in the majors last season. He had a marvelous 2019, posting a 2.97 ERA over three levels, and looked good in spring training last season. Given all of Atlanta’s injuries to their rotation, I thought he earned an opportunity. The fact that he never got one is a little worrisome, but that will change in 2021 if his success continues in Gwinnett. I expect him to make his major league debut at some point this season.
29. Logan Brown (C)
Level: A+-AA
2021 stat predictions: .251/.297/.355, 4 HRs, 51 RBIs
Brown’s trajectory for next season is challenging to project because the last time we saw him, he was a 22-year-old playing for the Florida Fire Frogs. He was included on the Braves 60-man taxi squad last season, which is promising, but that was probably a result of the lack of depth at catcher more than anything. I imagine Brown has filled out his frame a bit over the last two years and developed a little more power. He will probably spend the season in Rome and Mississippi.
28. Thomas Burrows (LHP)
Level: AAA-MLB
2021 stat predictions: 58.1 innings, 3.48 ERA, 60 KsÂ
Like Pfeifer, Burrows is another older prospect that is nearing the major league level. Given the sheer amount of arms the Braves have, it will be tough for him to earn a permanent spot in the bullpen, but he will likely spend most of the year in Gwinnett and could make his MLB debut at some point in 2021.
27. Ricky DeVito (RHP)
Level: A+-AA
2021 stat predictions: 128.2 innings, 4.33 ERA, 119 Ks
DeVito impressed back in 2019 in his first stint of professional ball, earning two promotions up to Rome, where he didn’t look out of place. I imagine that is where the Seton Hall product will start his 2021 campaign. Remember, Rome is now the Braves A+ affiliate, but if he continues to take strides forward, expect to see him in Mississippi rather quickly.
26. Tyler Owens (RHP)
Level: A-A+
2021 stat predictions: 121 innings, 3.98 ERA, 138 Ks
Owens showed a lot of promise in Rookie Ball as an 18-year-old with a fantastic fastball and curveball mix. The 2019 13th-round selection needs to improve his command and avoid giving up the long ball, but if he can continue to keep his opponent’s batting average below .200 and strikeout rate high, he should move up the minors just fine. I have him beginning the year in A-ball and working his way to Rome by the end of the season.
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