Braves' Top Prospects, Farm System Progress Report, Draft Targets
The Atlanta Braves have spent the first two months of the 2022 season hovering around the .500 mark, but they're rolling to start June and are poised to be a factor in the NL East race once again.
They have already dipped into the farm system to call up outfielder Michael Harris II while right-hander Spencer Strider is making an impact on the pitching side of things, but there's more young talent on the horizon.
Let's take a closer look at their current top-10 prospect list, a general overview of the farm system and a look ahead at who might be on their radar when they are on the clock in the 2022 draft.
Updated Top-10 Prospect List
Top 10 Prospects
1. OF Michael Harris II (No. 28 on B/R's Top 100 list)
2. LHP Kyle Muller
3. LHP Jared Shuster
4. RHP Bryce Elder
5. OF Drew Waters
6. SS Braden Shewmake
7. RHP Freddy Tarnok
8. SS Vaughn Grissom
9. RHP AJ Smith-Shawver
10. RHP Victor Vodnik
Farm System Progress Report
The Braves checked in at No. 25 in our most recent farm system rankings, which were updated on May 30.
Outfielder Michael Harris II has taken over as the starting center fielder in the big leagues after hitting .305/.372/.506 with 23 extra-base hits and 11 steals in 43 games at Double-A, and he's 9-for-37 with three doubles in his first 10 games.
Pitchers Kyle Muller, Bryce Elder and Tucker Davidson have all made spot starts already this year, and despite his strikeout issues, toolsy outfielder Drew Waters is also likely to make his MLB debut in 2022.
Left-hander Jared Shuster was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2020 draft, and his stock is on the rise with a 3.02 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 50.2 innings at Double-A. With three above-average pitches and good command, he could be in the majors in short order as well.
Potential Draft Targets
The Braves have the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft, which gets underway on July 17 during MLB All-Star weekend.
Here's a look at some recent mock draft projections:
B/R Mock Draft (5/19): RHP Blade Tidwell, Tennessee
Tidwell missed time early this spring with shoulder soreness, but with a fastball that touches 99 mph and a terrific slider, he has some of the best pure stuff from this year's college crop. He had his best start of the season last time out, tossing 7.2 scoreless innings against Alabama State in the opener of the Knoxville regional.
MLB.com Mock Draft (6/1): LHP Jackson Ferris, IMG Academy (FL)
With a projectable 6'4", 190-pound frame and excellent present stuff, Ferris is one of the best prep pitchers in a thin class. He has some work to do smoothing out his mechanics, but his upside is undeniable and the Braves have a good track record of developing arms.
Baseball America Mock Draft (6/3): LHP Cooper Hjerpe, Oregon State
One of the most polished college arms in the 2022 class, Hjerpe has gone 10-2 with a 2.40 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 155 strikeouts in 97.2 innings this spring. His average stuff plays up thanks to his plus command and a deceptive delivery, and he has one of the high floors among potential first-round pitchers.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Tuesday's games.