Atlanta Braves add exciting young infield prospect to player pool
The Atlanta Braves have added a top prospect to the player pool for the 2020 season.
The Atlanta Braves are dealing with a lot ahead of the shortened 2020 MLB season. The team has already seen Felix Hernandez and Nick Markakis opt out of playing after positive COVID-19 tests for four players, including star Freddie Freeman.
This is the reality in 2020 and teams will need to have plenty of depth to deal with potential absences due to the virus. MLB is allowing a total player pool of 60 players per team and that means top prospects may earn significant playing time.
Bryce Ball is the No. 21 overall prospect in the Braves organization according to MLB.com and has reportedly been added to the player pool Thursday.
Bryce Ball is getting a chance with the Braves earlier than expected
Ball just turned 22 years old this week and is a 2019 24th-round draft pick. The 6-foot-6 first baseman had a combined 1.023 OPS in 62 minor league games in 2019 and was invited to Spring Training 1.0 earlier this year.
Ball’s 17 home runs in limited action last season showed his potential and makes him an intriguing addition to the player pool. Yet fans must remain patient as it is unlikely he rises above the “taxi squad” in 2020.
However, more players opting out or testing positive will open up spots, given the league continues playing in that scenario.
Ball at least gets to train with the major league team in 2020 instead of sitting at home like many other minor league players. Even just a chance to play with the Braves could make his story one to follow in 2020 after being drafted so late just one year ago.