Braves Fans Should Still Be Optimistic About Ian Anderson Making MLB Debut in 2020

As the third overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Ian Anderson had had high expectations placed upon him since joining the Atlanta Braves. He's currently the third-ranked prospect in the team's system and the 37th-ranked prospect in the entire MiLB.

Anderson looked to be on a fast-track to the MLB in 2020, but the season's postponement threw a wrench into the plans. However, that's no reason to throw it all out the window. There's still reason to believe the right-hander will make his big league debut (if there's a season) and prove he's the future ace of the Braves' rotation.

Anderson had elite numbers in Double-A with the Mississippi Braves in 2019, pitching to a 2.68 ERA, and 1.16 WHIP with 147 strikeouts in 111 innings. It warranted a call-up to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, and although he had a 6.57 ERA, he only made five starts and got knocked around in two of them. The sample size isn't big enough to make a judgment.

If Anderson has a first half like he did in 2019, expect him to make his first appearance as a late-season, 40-man roster call-up.

Sure, the MLB's delay has thrown everything off the rails, but Braves fans have good reason to remain optimistic about Anderson assuming he picks up where he left off when the sport resumes.