Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (74) looks on against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (74) looks on against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves: Ozzie Albies

The Braves will continue rebuilding in 2017, but went out in free agency and added several veteran players to make the on-field product a little easier for fans to swallow as the new ballpark opens for its inaugural season. One player the team acquired who does not figure in the long-term plan is second baseman Brandon Phillips. He is merely a stopgap measure until Ozzie Albies is ready to take over at second base in the big leagues.

Albies was signed as a shortstop, but he will have to slide over to second base next to Dansby Swanson. Regardless of which position Albies eventually occupies for the Braves, expect him to have no problem hitting MLB pitching. In parts of three seasons in the minors, the 20-year-old infielder is a .310/.377/.419 hitter with 81 stolen bases. He reached Triple-A at the age of 19 last season, and handled the age difference well. Albies was almost eight years younger than the average player at Triple-A.

The rebuild in Atlanta is mostly focused on the mound, with very little top talent in the field. Albies has the highest upside of all the hitters in the system, and should see the big leagues at some point this season, unless the Braves decide to delay the start of his service time.

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