Today is a day that many prospect gurus crave and that is the Arizona Fall League Roster. With Minor League baseball getting back to normality, excitement for this league that collects some of the best talent in development is high once again. In today’s piece, we’ll take a look at the seven players selected to represent the Braves. Let’s dig in.
Braves Minor League Pitchers in the AFL
- RHP William Woods
- RHP Indigo Diaz
- RHP Victor Vodnik
- LHP Jake Higginbotham
Breakdown: Woods had a whole lot of smoke around him coming into 2021 but suffered from some health issues that kept him down in Orlando at Instructs for most of the season. His 10.2 innings were likely just strength building and, in all likelihood, he’ll use the AFL innings just to stay fresh and get some reps.
For Indigo, this is definitely a test to see if he’s capable of getting the best talent in the minors out before he gets battle tested in the MLB. He’s an absolute monster on the mound, and if he shows well in the AFL, he’ll be in Atlanta at some point next season.
Vodnik looks to have avoided major injury after the dreaded forearm strain and, like Woods, needs the innings to build upon his shortened and disappointing 2021.
Higginbotham is riding in the same boat as Woods and Vodnik as he only logged 9.1 innings and spent most of his time down in Orlando. Still, those 9.1 innings were intriguing as he struck out 16 and only walked 2.
Braves Position Players in the AFL
- C Shea Langeliers
- OF Jesse Franklin
- IF Luke Waddell
Breakdown: Langeliers had a breakout year at the plate and, like a fine wine, paired well with his cannon arm, above average framing, and a very mature approach to game-calling. He’s worthy of excitement and is going to be behind the plate at Truist for years to come.
Jesse Franklin went on a crazy tear this year and ended with a spectacular season, hitting 24 HRs with an .842 OPS. At 22 years old, he needs this challenge, and I think he’s ready for it.
Luke Waddell was a college signing out of Georgia Tech in 2019 and has the baseball rat feel to him like Martin Prado. He had an extraordinary year at Rome, carrying a .942 OPS, but then struggled at AA. He’ll get a chance to prove whether he’s organizational depth or something the big leagues can use in a few years.
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