3 prospects that should make Braves’ Opening Day roster
By John Buhler
1. player. 17. Scouting Report. RHP. Ian Anderson. Pick Analysis. Atlanta Braves
He has already earned a prominent role in the starting rotation
Somehow, someway, Ian Anderson still qualifies as a rookie entering the 2021 MLB season. Despite not making his MLB debut until late August of last year, Anderson finished seventh in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He went 3-2 in six starts, bolstering a 1.95 ERA and striking out 41 batters in 32.1 innings. Without him, the Braves do not make it to the 2020 NLCS by any means.
Atlanta’s starting rotation was in shambles outside of Max Fried once Mike Soroka got hurt. While the Braves did not rush Anderson up to the big leagues, he answered the call to duty marvelously in his first stint with the major league team. As the weather changed, Anderson heated up on the mound. He was utterly sensational as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter in the 2020 MLB postseason.
In four postseason starts, Anderson went 2-0 with a blistering 0.96 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 18.2 innings. He did not give up a run until the NLCS against the eventual World Series champion Dodgers. Sure, you can call it a small sample size, but Anderson proved that not only he belongs at the big-league level after 51 combined innings, but he has serious All-Star potential in Atlanta.
The idea is Anderson will serve as the Braves’ No. 2 or No. 3 starter out of camp. He will sit behind the club’s ace Fried, with either him or newcomer Charlie Morton serving as the No. 2. The other will slot back to No. 3, waiting until Soroka gets back from his Achilles’ injury before the Braves’ rotation is reshuffled once more. You can bet your next paycheck on Anderson making the team.
Next. Scott Boras will get Juan Soto paid. dark
Ultimately, you can expect Anderson, Pache and Contreras to make the club out of spring training. While other top prospects like Langeliers and outfielder Drew Waters may have to bide their time in the minor leagues a bit longer, it would not be shocking to see them get a taste with the Braves before the year is done, especially Waters, who will become Atlanta’s new top prospect here soon.
Here is to this young crop of talent yielding dividends for the Braves at the major league level.