Nacho Alvarez is one of five hitters that graced our top 10 prospects, and is our pick for the best hit tool in the system.
We had many of you in our Q&A session on Friday asking for a best tools segment relating to the top 30 prospects list. Fortunately, we already had one planned out and voted on by the in the chamber to run this week. To start out we are going to look at the best tools among the position player prospects, of which there are not many. Only nine hitting prospects ranked in our top 30, though the systems offensive depth could be on the rise with five of the top 10 being hitters including number one Drake Baldwin. There are a couple of tools for which a non-top 30 prospect deserved attention, and those will be noted following the main write up. For clarity though, this is looking at the best tools among ONLY our Top 30 Atlanta Braves prospects.
Best Hitter: Nacho Alvarez Jr.
While Drake Baldwin’s surge this season certainly got him in the running for this, Nacho Alvarez’s hit tool and overall on base skill still stands on its own in the system. While he struggled at the major league level due to issues catching up with fastballs, his ability to make contact throughout all parts of the strike zone has been a stand out trait since he was drafted. Alvarez’s zone coverage is magnificent, but his ability to recognize the strike zone has also set him apart. Alvarez rarely chases out of the zone, doing a fantastic job recognizing both the edges of the zone and the pitches out of the pitcher’s hand. This has allowed him to put up high walk rates at every level — his lowest of his career was 12.8% in Triple-A last season. Alvarez may have disappointed somewhat in his major league debut, but it is important to consider that he is still only 21 years old and well ahead of the development curve that was expected of him coming into professional baseball. His contact rates venture well above the plus territory, and in 258 career minor league games he has produced an even .400 on base percentage.
also considered: Drake Baldwin
Best Power: Drake Baldwin
Drake Baldwin impressed last season with his ability to hit the ball out to any part of the park, frequently peppering balls to and over the wall to the left-center field power gap. His raw strength and exit velocities are easily plus, and the Battery Power staff has confidence that the Braves will get him to lift the ball more frequently and settle in as a 20+ home run catcher. Last season Baldwin had 16 in 124 games, matching his 16 from the year prior, despite spending significant time at both levels in extremely pitcher-friendly environments. In 72 Triple-A games Baldwin produced 12 home runs and a total of 26 extra base hits. This production may even undersell his impact, as he had the 6th highest xSLG in Triple-A at .516, 32 points above his actual performance, and an xISO of .212, which was 27 points above his actual performance.
also considered: Nick Montgomery
Best Speed: John Gil
The Braves have loaded up on athletes in the international classes, and John Gil may be the best of them. Gil has easy 80 grade speed, often beating normally routine throws out to first base throughout his time in Augusta. He utilizes that speed well in the field as well, tracking down ground balls throughout the infield. Gil may slow down a bit as the Braves have him add weight to improve his power output, but should still sit in double-plus territory even at maturity.
Also Considered: Isaiah Drake, Luis Guanipa
Isaiah Drake may not have made the top 30, but his speed in the outfield and on the bases is electric. He would be the man at the top of the list if he had sneaked his way onto the top 30, with the impact of his legs being felt every time he is able to involve himself in a play.
Best Arm/Infield Defense: Ambioris Tavarez
While many disagree with our high-confidence assessment of Tavarez’s hitting potential, his infield defense has been able to impress from the moment he started getting action in Single-A last season. He was at times error-prone last year, but often it came on plays where he would get to balls that other defenders in the system simply couldn’t. He improved his consistency and his accuracy this season, and now looks to be the only plus defensive shortstop in the system. Tavarez is a smooth operator up the middle, showing elite footwork around the bag and a fantastic first step, making up for what is just average speed for the position. He has terrific hands and a knack for being in the right position, and can make strong throws from any angle and any spot on the field. Even if he doesn’t hit he may have a future as a glove-first shortstop at the upper levels, as his abilities in the field change the fortunes of the infield of any team he has been on. He has command of both the flashy and the routine, making the position look much easier than it has any right to look. He’s one of the best defensive infielders, if not the best defensive infielder, to come through the system in the past decade.
Also considered for best arm: Diego Tornes, Nick Montgomery
Also considered for best infield defense: Nacho Alvarez
Best Outfield Defense: Luis Guanipa
Luis Guanipa joins a long list of outfielders the Braves have churned out with high defensive ceilings, and he seems to be as good as any of them in his early development. Guanipa’s electric closing speed often saw him tracking balls down in the gap that he seemingly had no hope at, and his defensive instincts and first step have taken a step forward since he joined the Braves system. Guanipa still runs into the occasional bad route, but has cleaned up most of his inefficiencies in a short period of time and is on his way to being a plus defensive center fielder.
Also Considered: Diego Tornes, Kevin Kilpatrick Jr.
Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. lost a top 30 spot thanks to a poor performance with the bat over the second half of the season, but his defensive ability is unquestioned. He has the best instincts and first step among the Braves minor leaguers, making center field a no-fly zone in Rome for the past two seasons.
Highest Ceiling: Jose Perdomo, Luis Guanipa (tie)
Well we do have four voters, and that means occasionally we run into a few ties. Guanipa we talked about defensively, but it’s important to consider what else made him a top prospect. Guanipa has electric bat speed and covers the zone well, though he is obviously raw and in need of swing fixes. If they tap into his potential he could be a 20+ home run, 40+ stolen base center fielder with terrific defense. Perdomo struggled with injury last season, but quelled any concerns about his ability to stick at shortstop. So far all reports have been glowing above his defense up-the-middle, giving him even more leeway for his ultimate offensive potential. With the value provided by his defense there and continued confidence that he could be a plus hitter with above average power, Perdomo has all the makings of a cornerstone piece if he is able to stay healthy and put good development seasons together.