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3 Prospects Braves Fans Need to Keep an Eye on Throughout 2020 Season

By Scott Rogust

Outfielder Cristian Pache is the top prospect in the Braves organization and one of the most promising in all of baseball
Outfielder Cristian Pache is the top prospect in the Braves organization and one of the most promising in all of baseball / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

In 2019, the Atlanta Braves rose to the top of the NL East standings for the second straight year, and it was thanks in large part to a rich farm system that found star players in Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies. But as it turns out, Atlanta still have a plethora of top-tier talents in their prospect pipeline that will demand attention sooner rather than later. With that in mind, let's identify three that Braves fans will enjoy following throughout the 2020 season.

1. OF Cristian Pache

Cristian Pache is on the verge of cracking the major league roster.
Cristian Pache is on the verge of cracking the major league roster. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Braves knew Cristian Pache was a special player when they signed him as an international free agent back in 2016. The $1.4 million investment has paid off for Atlanta, as Pache has all the skills needed to be an MLB outfielder. He's been voted as the league's best defensive prospect for two years running while also showing terrific contact, power, and patience at the plate. Pache was already named to the 40-man roster, but is likely going to start the season in Triple-A. As the No. 1 prospect in the organization and No. 13 overall in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, however, it won't be long before Pache gets his shot in the Show.

2. OF Drew Waters

Drew Waters is another outfielder that could see time in Atlanta.
Drew Waters is another outfielder that could see time in Atlanta. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Braves turned to the local ranks to find a top prospect in Drew Waters, whom the team selected in the second round of the 2017 draft. He's been overshadowed by Pache a bit, but still possesses fantastic tools to become a solid outfielder, and is MLB Pipeline's No. 26 overall prospect in the game. Just last season, Waters accumulated a .309 batting average along with seven home runs and 51 RBI. Waters can play all three outfield positions, which bodes well for his chances of earning his first promotion later this year.

3. RHP Ian Anderson

Ian Anderson is the Braves' best pitching prospect.
Ian Anderson is the Braves' best pitching prospect. / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Ian Anderson, the third overall pick in 2016, is the best pitching prospect on a team that just keeps churning them out. Known for his fastball and curveball, Anderson has shown the propensity to draw swings and misses, along with groundouts. Last season in Double-A and Triple-A, Anderson recorded a 3.38 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 135.2 innings pitched. If Atlanta's pitching rotation gets plagued with injuries, baseball's No. 37 overall prospect could finally get his big league call-up.