Braves: 3 players the organization ruined in 2021

What in the world happened to Cristian Pache?

Pache started the season as an outfield option next to Ronald Acuña and Marcell Ozuna, yet he hit just over .100 and failed to deliver any power or ability to get on base. The Braves top prospect failed to adjust to major-league pitching, and as a result was sent down, potentially for the rest of the season.

Why, then, was Pache on the Braves roster in the first place?

The 22-year-old is dominating in Gwinnett, which is exactly where he should be at this point. The Braves got plenty of looks at Pache both last season and in Spring Training, and there were few moments of optimism to suggest he should be a full-time major leaguer just yet.

Rushing top prospects is what can lead to their eventual failure, and despite what fans think, this is why scouting departments exist, in part.

Now, perhaps giving Pache another shot heading into the postseason could work in the Braves favor, but they likely delayed his eventual call-up by hurting not just his confidence, but taking away minor-league ABs and time in extended Spring Training. All of that is valuable in his eventual ascent from top prospect into — the Braves hope — an All-Star caliber talent.

Now, Braves fans are left waiting.